WTTC Partners with GSTC to Strengthen Sustainable Hospitality Standards

Photo source: GSTC.

As part of efforts to promote sustainability practices across tourism, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) announced this week that it had partnered with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) to establish a structured framework for hotel sustainability leading to certification.

Photo source: WTTC

The partnership combines the WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics program, an entry level for hotels of any size and type to begin their journey to sustainable practices, and GSTC certification, which is considered the gold standard in certification of sustainable hotels.

The three-stage framework will now include an intermediate verification phase between the WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics verification and GSTC Hotel Sustainability Certification, designed to support hotels in their pathway towards full sustainability.

WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics meets nine GSTC certification criteria. The intermediate verification step will meet 28 GSTC criteria. When a Hotel enterprises will be required to meet all 42 criteria in order to gain GSTC certification.

“It’s imperative that we work with key global players like GSTC to drive change, set benchmarks, and inspire others to follow,” said WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson, adding that the GSTC’s rigorous accreditation program will ensure that the hospitality sector moves toward a unified vision of sustainability.

Photo source: WTTC,

In addition to the WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics, already accessible to the industry, a second and intermediate WTTC verification program is scheduled to launch in 2024.

“Today’s announcement of the combined pathway provides clarity for beginning and for continuous improvement. Stages must be just that, stages, and not levels to reach and stay in place,” said GSTC CEO Randy Durband.