Global Sustainable Tourism
and Sorrento Centre
Did you miss the panel last week? Here’s your chance watch a recorded playback to learn from five tourism operators and industry leaders from a wide variety of innovative tourism destinations.
This panel, on which Michael Shapcott sat, was part of the two day Tourism summit: REIMAGINING THE FUTURE OF TOURISM: REBUILD, REFRAME, AND RETHINK .
Inviting the tourism community to learn from everything we’ve been through and think differently about how we can co-create a vibrant and resilient tourism industry in BC. The BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 was a joint virtual event, in collaboration with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
Now more than ever, the drive for tourism to become a regenerative and restorative industry is at the forefront of most of our efforts. Join tourism operators and industry leaders as they discuss their dedication to sustainable practices and the importance of fostering destination stewardship amongst visitors. Learn about the innovative programs and approaches that BC operators have adopted to create a better tomorrow for residents and visitors alike.
About the BCRTS – British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat is a collaboration between the following five regional destination management organizations: Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Northern BC Tourism Association, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and Tourism Vancouver Island.
About the GSTC – The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is managing the GSTC Criteria, global standards for sustainable travel and tourism;
as well as providing international accreditation for sustainable tourism Certification Bodies.
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) establishes and manages global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are two sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, and Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators. They are the result of a worldwide effort to develop a common language about sustainability in tourism. They are arranged in four pillars: (A) Sustainable management; (B) Socioeconomic impacts; (C) Cultural impacts; and (D) Environmental impacts. Since tourism destinations each have their own culture, environment, customs, and laws, the Criteria are designed to be adapted to local conditions and supplemented by additional criteria for the specific location and activity.
The GSTC Criteria form the foundation Accreditation for Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators/transport providers, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services; but provides an accreditation program through its partner ASI/Assurance Services International to accredit Certification Bodies.
