Our Commitment,
Mission, Vision, Values
GSTC Accreditation is granted to certification bodies that voluntarily undergo a thorough evaluation of their technical competencies and integrity to deliver conformity assessment services for businesses—hotels, tour operators, MICE companies, and attractions—and destinations based on GSTC Standards. GSTC Accreditation Service legitimizes the work of certification bodies, who in turn foster businesses and destinations genuinely committed to sustainable tourism, inspiring and building trust among residents and travelers.
Where we are going
Vision
GSTC Accreditation Service is recognized globally as the leading accreditation body for sustainable tourism certification bodies through its fair, transparent, collaborative, and competent leadership and teamwork, generating credibility and confidence in the supply and demand of the travel sector.
What we do
Mission
Strengthen globally accessible accreditation to ensure trustworthy sustainable tourism certification that fosters successful businesses and destinations, along with a growing supply of responsible experiences.
How we work
10 Principles
The following principles guide every process of the GSTC Accreditation Service implementation.
Integrity
Integrity should be demonstrated in every aspect of the process, requiring honesty, fairness, and consistency throughout.
Independent and accountable
GSTC Legally Registered Framework
The GSTC is an independent and neutral organization, legally registered in the USA as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. GSTC Accreditation Service operates autonomously from other GSTC functions to ensure the impartiality, objectivity, and confidentiality of the accreditation process.
The GSTC Accreditation Service continually seeks alignment with international norms for accreditation, including ISO/IEC 17011.
Normative Foundations
GSTC Accreditation follows ISO/IEC 17011 for accreditation service management and requires certification bodies to meet ISO/IEC 17065:2012. Other IAF/ISO guidance documents are used as normative references to ensure consistency and global credibility.
Accreditation Governance
The process is administered by GSTC Accreditation Service or, where appropriate, GSTC Endorsed National Accreditation Bodies in Europe operating under GSTC oversight and authority. This structure supports transparent procedures and impartial decisions.
Comprehensive Procedural Policies
Accreditation activities follow GSTC policies on impartiality, privacy, whistleblowing, grievances, surveillance, witnessing, and operational safeguards.
Accreditation body mandate
Rights and Duties
Authority and Recognition
- Grant, extend, suspend, withdraw, or cancel accreditations.
- Publish accreditation statuses and governance materials.
- Provide accredited bodies with formal recognition through the GSTC-accredited logo and include them in digital listings, market access programs, and official communications.
Responsibilities and Oversight
- Inform applicants and accredited certification bodies of requirements and procedural changes in advance.
- Conduct assessments, deliver reports, and make objective accreditation decisions.
- Conduct on-site evaluations and follow-up assessments to verify ongoing compliance.
Integrity and Accountability
- Act on non-conformity cases to maintain the credibility and reliability of the accreditation system.
- Suspend or withdraw accreditation when necessary and communicate decisions transparently.
- Safeguard impartiality by managing conflicts of interest and ensuring confidentiality.
We are GSTC
A Legacy of Standardizing Global Sustainability
The Origins: Two Paths Merging
GSTC as we know it today resulted from the merger of two distinct but complementary initiatives:
- The Partnership for Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, established in 2007: a coalition of 32 partners—including UNEP, UNWTO, and Rainforest Alliance—focused on creating a common language for sustainable tourism through universal criteria.
- The Sustainable Tourism Stewardship Council, established in 2009: a body designed to create an accreditation mechanism and provide a credible seal of approval for objective and transparent certification processes.
In 2010, these entities merged to form the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, combining standards with assurance under one organization.
Evolution of the Accreditation Function
GSTC initially focused on developing global standards, while accreditation remained a core pillar of its mission.
- Credibility through ISEAL: GSTC followed ISEAL Alliance good practices and formally became an ISEAL Community Member in 2021, reinforcing its commitment to rigorous accreditation oversight.
- Transition to Direct Accreditation: after years of managing accreditation through third-party partners, GSTC began providing international accreditation for Certification Bodies directly on October 1, 2023.
Relationship with the Broader GSTC Organization
Accreditation is one of the three primary pillars of GSTC’s standard-setting, assurance, and training framework:
- Standard Setting: GSTC manages global standards for hotels, tour operators, destinations, MICE, and attractions.
- The Accreditation Pillar: GSTC does not certify businesses directly; it accredits independent Certification Bodies so GSTC-Certified claims are backed by rigorous oversight.
- The Organizational Goal: accreditation serves as the trust mechanism connecting theoretical standards with credible application in the tourism market.
Global collaboration
Partnerships and Memberships
Community Member of ISEAL
ISEAL is the global membership organization for ambitious, collaborative, and transparent sustainability systems. ISEAL Members are sustainability systems and accreditation bodies dedicated to delivering benefits for people and the planet. They are committed to continually improving their systems and impacts through learning and innovation; collaborating with stakeholders and peers; and are transparent and truthful about how their systems work and how they measure their impacts.
Visit ISEAL Site
Associate Member of IAAC
The InterAmerican Accreditation Cooperation is a regional association of accreditation bodies and other organizations interested in conformity assessment in the Americas. GSTC is an Associate Member of the Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC). That means that GSTC aligns with international standards of quality and reliability, reinforcing its dedication to maintaining high standards and fostering trust in the GSTC accreditation program.
Visit IAAC Site