WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM?
The UN Environment Program and UN World Tourism Organization has defined sustainable tourism as ‘tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities’. In other words, sustainable tourism is a concept that has a holistic approach which considers not only the socio-economic benefits of the tourism industry, but also the impacts of tourism on the local environment and communities. All these factors have to be addressed without diminishing the tourists’ experience. The sustainable tourism concept can be applied to all forms of tourism (such as cultural tourism & educational tourism). It is also related to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) such as SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) and SDG 14 (life below water).
WHAT IS GSTC (GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNCIL)?
WHY GSTC CERTIFICATION?
Besides showcasing the initiative to be more sustainable, certified tourism sectors can also increase profit and reduce operation costs which can result in huge savings over time. These benefits are mostly the result of adopting more efficient and effective operational practices, and as the business/destination gets more sustainably managed/maintained, revenue can be obtained at a more viable rate in the long term. Better environmental and social conditions will also inevitably lead to the revenue increase.
WHO IS IT FOR?
By fulfilling the GSTC criteria set, businesses/destinations can get certified and join the sustainability bandwagon which has become a prominent factor in modern times. It is also important to know that businesses (hotels & tour operators) are assessed differently from destinations.
Peterson Malaysia’s team are well equipped to help tourism organizations achieve the GSTC certification and understand the necessary criteria. We are ready to provide the necessary resources and support for parties striving to achieve sustainable tourism management. We use the GSTC criteria as a form or approach in consulting tourism players who are on the road to a sustainable transition.
