The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria were developed to provide an understanding of sustainable tourism as a foundation for certifying a destination’s sustainability. It serves as a baseline guide for tourism destinations that are more sustainable, assisting consumers in identifying sustainable attractions and determining whether the standards in each area meet widely accepted baselines. Projects from the public and private sectors can be proposed as a starting point for developing sustainable tourism requirements as a fundamental guideline for education and training agencies, such as tourism schools and universities, and they can demonstrate leadership that inspires others to develop further. 

      There must be guidelines, regulations, policies, and plans governing the location and nature of the development, with an assessment of the environmental, economic, social, cultural, and sustainably integrated land use, design, construction, and demolition for planning and control regulations for the development of a tourist site. Regulations will also be required for operations, such as real estate leasing and tourism concessions. When tourism is proposed or developed in people’s areas, regulatory and policy guidelines must be established through public participation, with evidence of consultation and consent from indigenous peoples or ethnic groups. These are widely publicized and enforced. 

Source : Global Sustainable Tourism Council

Information as of 28 February 2023