WTTC and GSTC Forge Partnership to Propel Hotel Sustainability

In a significant move towards advancing sustainability in the hospitality sector, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) have announced a major partnership. This collaboration aims to establish a structured framework for hotel sustainability, ultimately leading to GSTC Certification.

The partnership not only endorses the existing WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics but also charts a course for a progressive journey towards GSTC Certification for sustainable hotels. This strategic alignment comes at a crucial time when sustainability has become a paramount consideration in the travel and tourism industry.

The newly introduced three-stage framework for hotel sustainability integrates the WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics verification with GSTC Certification, offering support to hotels on their pathway to full sustainability.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, emphasized the significance of collaboration, stating, “Collaborating with an esteemed body like GSTC reinforces our dedication to leading the industry towards a more sustainable future. It’s imperative that we work with key global players like GSTC to drive change, set benchmarks, and inspire others to follow.”

Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC, highlighted the value of the partnership, stating, “WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics is a finely crafted entry level for hotels of any size and type to begin their journey to sustainable practices. GSTC’s certification by GSTC-accredited certification bodies is recognized widely as the gold standard in certification of sustainable hotels, with the highest levels of assurance that exist.”

The collaboration aims to provide clarity for hotels at various stages of their sustainability journey, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement. The next phase of collaboration with GSTC is scheduled to launch in 2024, bridging the gap between the three-year WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics program and the rigorous GSTC certification process. This approach ensures a gradual yet comprehensive progression towards sustainability in the hospitality sector.