Becoming Certified as a
Destination

Being certified sustainable by a Certification Body that is Accredited means that your destination complies with the highest social and environmental standards on the market. As public concern grows about the harmful effects and the positive impacts of travel and tourism, certification provides you with a credible solution to complex environmental and social issues.

Travel providers should proudly display information regarding their certificate and the certifying body that issued it. Doing so informs your stakeholders — from customers to ownership and to your supply chain — that your business is operated with sound management that looks to the future and not merely at today.

Logo for
businesses certified

Logo Image
Certification Image

Increasingly, travelers and your fellow travel provider clients are seeking confirmation that sustainability practices are in place. Also increasingly, travel companies are looking for a product that is not only certified sustainable, but certified sustainable by a certification program that is GSTC Accredited. For example, Royal Caribbean Cruises give preferential buying treatment, when feasible, to operators of shore excursions that are certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body. MSC Cruises follow a similar model. Other travel providers give preferential buying treatment to suppliers that are certified sustainable.

How To Apply

GSTC Certified for Destinations?

Apply for GSTC Certification to demonstrate your hotel's commitment to sustainable tourism practices recognized globally by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Certification highlights your dedication to environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and social responsibility in the tourism industry.

Certification Image

Key Stages to Becoming Certified

Compare and Select a Certification Body

Register and/or Contract with a Certification Body

Submit Application/Documentary Evidence to the Certification Body

Onsite Audit

Certification issued

GSTC Accredited Certification Bodies for

Destinations

To achieve certification as a hotel, tour operator, or destination, align your practices with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Criteria. Apply through a GSTC-recognized certification body for assessment. Upon approval, receive GSTC certification, showcasing your commitment to sustainable tourism.

Image of Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas is a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification services. Since its creation in 1828, Bureau Veritas has been supporting its clients on every continent to continually improve their performance via certification of management systems, product certifications, and customized audits.

Learn More
Image of Control Union

Control Union

Control Union Certifications offers a global one-stop-shop for a wide range of certification programmes with a global presence that spans more than 70 countries in six continents. We understand the importance of impartiality and objectivity, and how to professionally manage conflicts of interest.

Learn More
Image of RoyalCert

RoyalCert

RoyalCert is a reputable certification body based in Germany, operating in 25 countries globally. RoyalCert offer assessment and certification services to a wide range of industries, including Tourism Industry, and serving thousands of customers.

Learn More
Image of UCLS

UCLS

United Certification Systems Limited is an independent international certification body with Headquarters in EU and operating globally (except Türkiye). UCSL  is accredited for various volunteer sustainability certification schemes including Hotels & Tour Operators (GSTC), Marine (ASC, MSC), Global Sustainable Enterprise System (GSES) etc.

Learn More
Image of Vireo Srls

Vireo Srls

Vireo Srl is a certification company whose commercial activities consist of providing Italian and foreign companies with environmental certification services. Vireo provides worldwide recognized environmental certification schemes such as FSC, MSC, and GSTC.

Learn More
Image of Mauritius Standards Bureau

Mauritius Standards Bureau

The Mauritius Standards Bureau (MSB) is a non-profit parastatal body in the island of Mauritius that certifies Hotels & Accommodations and Tour Operators operating within the Mauritian jurisdiction and territories, as per the GSTC-Recognized Standard MS 165 (Sustainable Tourism Management System) labelled as the Blue Oasis.

Learn More