Asia’s sustainability goals evolve with GSTC training initiatives

We all love to travel, but the foremost thought on everyone’s mind is to travel without the 'carbon footprints' destroying what we hold dear. After all we want to save the natural and manmade ‘wonders of the world’ for future generations to cherish. With climate change, depleting resources, overcrowding, global appeal for iconic places, overtourism which has now become a systematic challenge, moving toward pristine lands, slow travel and minimalistic luxury needs a deliberate action plan. Travel Daily Media in an exclusive interview with Randy Durband, Chief Executive Officer, Global Sustainable Tourism Council, seeks for our readers the footsteps toward the sustainable way forward…

Travel Daily Media (TDM): The Global Sustainable Tourism Council^® (GSTC) establishes and manages global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, known as the GSTC Standards. Can you share with us a little bit more about these standards?

Randy Durband (RD): The GSTC Standards (formerly GSTC Criteria) are the global baseline for sustainable travel and tourism. They are used worldwide for education, policy-making, evaluation, and as the foundation for certification. Developed through an inclusive international process, they provide a common language for sustainability in tourism and are structured around four pillars:

1. Sustainable management
2. Socioeconomic impacts
3. Cultural impacts
4. Environmental impacts

The Standards represent minimum requirements, not maximum goals, and are designed to be adapted to local conditions across different destinations, cultures, and legal systems. They are built on decades of global experience and follow best practices such as the ISEAL Code of Good Practice and relevant ISO standards.

At the moment, there are four sets of GSTC Standards, and one under development:

• GSTC Industry Standard – for hotels and tour operators
• GSTC Destination Standard – for tourism destinations
• GSTC MICE Standard – for venues, event organizers, meetings, and exhibitions
• GSTC Attraction Standard – for visitor attractions
• GSTC Food and Beverage Service Providers Standard - under development 

The development and revision of GSTC Standards follows a rigorous and transparent process guided by the GSTC Standard Setting Manual v3.0 and the ISEAL Code of Good Practice for Sustainability Systems. This process includes the engagement of external experts, multiple rounds of public consultation to gather input from a wide range of stakeholders. Revisions are carefully managed. Some of the latest revisions include the development of the GSTC Standard for Food and Beverage Service Providers in Tourism (July-August 2025) and the third revision of the GSTC Industry Standard (June-July 2025), with future revisions planned for the GSTC Destination Standard during 2025. Providing feedback on the current GSTC Standards is also possible through our web.

TDM: How can travellers be more aware and responsible about GSTC Standards and manage to avoid going to places that have just been green washed?

RD:  Travellers can travel more responsibly by choosing businesses that are certified to GSTC Standards by a GSTC-accredited Certification Body, since this independent process ensures genuine sustainable practices rather than marketing claims. Whether traveling for business or leisure, responsible choices like staying in certified hotels, using certified tour operators, and respecting local cultures, help reduce negative impacts and maximize tourism’s benefits for communities, heritage, and the environment. With more travellers seeking sustainable options, asking providers about their certification and looking for the “Certified to GSTC Standards” logo is one of the most effective ways to travel responsibly and support authentic sustainable tourism.

TDM: Climate change is very much real, this year we have seen earthquakes, tsunamis, wildfires across Europe, melting glaciers and flash floods due to cloud bursts in the Himalayan region. What is the way forward to balance climate change, sustainability and travel?

RD:  Addressing climate change while supporting sustainable travel requires a balanced approach that reduces the environmental impact of tourism without limiting its social and economic benefits. This involves promoting low-carbon travel options, encouraging destinations and businesses to adopt energy-efficient practices, and integrating climate resilience into tourism planning. Travelers, industry, and policymakers all have a role: by making informed choices, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and supporting climate-conscious operations, the tourism sector can contribute to both environmental protection and the long-term viability of travel experiences.

TDM:  Across the globe many destinations have put tourist tax to avoid overtourism, many locals are coming out to protect local resources which are being depleted with overtourism. How can one manage this crux of supply and demand? What is the way forward?

RD:  Managing overtourism requires a balance of regulation, incentives, and smart visitor flow management. Tourist taxes such as bed or day-visitor fees can be effective when revenues are reinvested into protecting local resources and supporting communities. Rewarding good behavior like Copenhagen’s incentive programs, often works.

Since demand for travel will not decline, destinations must also expand capacity and disperse crowds, as we see in China where new attractions near the Giant Buddha in Leshan help spread visitor flows. The way forward is clear: reinvest tourism revenues, incentivize responsible choices, diversify attractions, and engage locals in decision-making to ensure tourism remains both sustainable and beneficial.

TDM: How far have sustainability goals evolved in Asia? Do tell us about the trainings you provide to grow awareness in Asia?

RD:  Sustainability goals in Asia have been steadily progressing, with more destinations, hotels, and tourism businesses integrating environmental, social, and cultural considerations into their operations. To support this growth, the GSTC provides the Sustainable Tourism Training Programs (STTP) in Asia, and across the region. These include in-person and online courses on the GSTC Standards. A total of 22 trainings were conducted in Asia in 2024. In 2025, we launched the Sustainable Tourism Academy with Agoda in May, aspiring tourism professionals in Asia. Together with Agoda, GSTC will also host onsite Hotel Sustainability Training in Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo, Japan in September 2025. In Japan, GSTC has delivered  specialized Sustainable Tourism Training Courses together with Kobe University in Toyooka (March 2025), JTB Corp (February 2025), and Nasu Tourism Association (February 2025). In Thailand, we provided the training in Chiang Khan in Loei Province (August 2025). GSTC has also partnered with Traveloka to deliver sustainability training across Southeast Asia, providing the onsite Sustainable Tourism Courses in Malaysia (May 2025) and Indonesia (June 2025), with others scheduled in Thailand and Vietnam. These initiatives aim to raise awareness, build local capacity, and equip tourism professionals with the knowledge and tools to implement sustainable practices effectively.

TDM:: How can travel planners and travel advisors become more sustainable in their choice of offerings?

RD:  Travel planners and advisors can enhance sustainability by prioritizing certified sustainable accommodations, tour operators, and experiences that follow recognized standards such as the GSTC Standards. They can also guide clients to less-visited destinations, promote low-impact transport options, and encourage practices that support local communities and conservation efforts. By educating clients about sustainable choices, travel advisors can play a key role in shaping demand toward responsible tourism.

TDM:: Kindly share 10 steps to become sustainable in our daily lives for all of our readers. 

RD: 

1. Choose certified sustainable accommodations and tour operators – look for businesses aligned with GSTC Standards to ensure credible sustainability practices.
2. Support local communities by selecting services and products that contribute positively to local economies and societies.
3. Minimize environmental impact while traveling: conserve water, reduce waste, and consider lower-impact transport options.
4. Respect local culture and heritage by learning about customs and traditions before visiting.
5. Ask providers about their sustainability practices to make informed choices.
6. Use GSTC resources: explore guidelines, case studies, and tools to guide responsible travel decisions.
7. Share knowledge with others to encourage sustainable tourism practices.
8. Stay informed about climate, biodiversity, and sustainable tourism trends.
9. Apply sustainability principles consistently in travel and everyday choices.
10. Reflect on personal impact and adjust habits to reduce environmental and social footprints.