This recognition confirms the standard’s alignment with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GSTC) Industry Criteria for sustainable practices encompassing environmental, social, cultural and economic aspects of travel.
Developed by Preferred by Nature, the Standard for Sustainable Travel Activities V1.0 offers clear sustainability guidelines for tourism businesses like Tour Operators and Accommodation providers. These guidelines ensure tourism activities minimise negative environmental and social impacts while maximising economic benefits.
"Earning GSTC-Recognition is a positive step for Preferred by Nature Standard for Sustainable Travel Activities," said Saúl Blanco Sosa, Director of the Sustainable Travel Programme at Preferred by Nature. "It validates our standard and allows travel businesses who have adopted it so far, to confirm their dedication to responsible travel practices."
By adopting the standard, travel organisations can differentiate themselves as leaders in sustainability and contribute to the broader global sustainability agenda.
The GSTC-Recognition signifies a comprehensive evaluation process by GSTC technical experts and the GSTC Assurance Panel. It confirms that our standard aligns with the rigorous GSTC criteria for sustainable management, socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental within the travel sector.
"We are immensely delighted to receive the Global Sustainable Tourism Council-Recognition status for our Standard for Sustainable Travel Activities V1.0 as this paves the way for us to continue and advance towards the full accreditation process by year-end," said Saúl.
"This achievement underlines our unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable tourism practices and driving positive change within the industry. We believe that by working together with industry actors across the globe, we can create a more sustainable future for the travel sector,” added Saul.
Alignment with the Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework
Additionally, the standard aligns seamlessly with the Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework, a comprehensive guide with core principles to help organisations achieve sustainability goals. Based on the Sustainability Framework, the standard for sustainable travel activities is introduced with a new core principle on climate, exhibiting our true commitment to addressing this global crisis within the sector.
By adhering to this framework, which is comprised of 4 core principles and 31 criteria, travel businesses can demonstrate a genuine and responsible commitment to a broader sustainability agenda and better positive impacts within the travel industry.
Applying the standard guidelines in operations, businesses can play a pivotal role in preserving the biodiversity and ecosystems of travel destinations. The standard encourages engagement with local communities in economic activities and the promotion of regional cultures and heritage values, thereby contributing to social and cultural development.
“As we celebrate this achievement, we extend our gratitude to all stakeholders, partners, and supporters who have contributed to the development and success of our Standard”, stated Saul.
He continued, “We will continue to champion responsible tourism practices and pave the way for a more sustainable and inclusive travel industry and beyond”.
To learn more about the Standard for Sustainable Travel Activities V1.0 and how it can support your operations, please click here.
