Representation of WWF at the GSTC

In Februar 2016 I was assigned by the international marine tourism program of WWF to represent WWF at the “Global Sustainable Tourism Council” (GSTC).

The GSTC, founded in 2008, manages global sustainable tourism standards with the aim of increasing sustainable tourism knowledge and practices among public and private stakeholders. The council’s criteria and indicators are the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should aspire to reach. Currently, the GSTC is revising its criteria with the intention to expand the existing GSTC Hotels and Tour Operator Criteria to become GSTC Industry criteria. As a following step criteria will be developed for further sectors within the tourism industry. This is reflecting the desire by many stakeholders to have similar guidance for the wider tourism industry.

The marine and coastal tourism working group of the GMP lead by WWF Germany decided to participate in the “International Standard Working Group” of the GSTC. Furthermore it was agreed to discuss the relevant criteria and indicators with the international WWF network to be able to secure a WWF network wide agreement on the new or revised criteria and indicators. This task was given to me and I am happy to announce that the first step – the revision process – is well underway!

For more information visit: www.gstcouncil.org