The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) announced that the Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Tourism Certification Program has achieved ‘GSTC-Approved’ status. The awarded status affirms the Rainforest Alliance’s commitment to promote sustainable tourism products and services.
The Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Tourism Certification Program is part of the Rainforest Alliance’s core work with hotels, tour operators, and other tourism businesses, to help them improve their environmental, social and economic practices. Tourism businesses that undergo a rigorous audit and demonstrate compliance with Rainforest Alliance sustainable tourism standards are granted the right to use the Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal.
GSTC-Approved means that a certification program is following processes and procedures that have been reviewed and approved by the GSTC Accreditation Panel. Businesses certified by an approved certification program can also use the GSTC Certified language and logos when they meet all GSTC Criteria. The purpose of the GSTC programs is to recognize and reward genuine practitioners of sustainable tourism, which in turn builds confidence and credibility with consumers.
“The Rainforest Alliance has a high reputation and credibility worldwide for its commitment to sustainability,” says Luigi Cabrini, GSTC Chair. “Reaching the highest standard within the GSTC scheme is yet another testimony of its commitment and engagement.”
“The Rainforest Alliance is excited to have achieved GSTC-Approved status. It is an honor to receive this level of recognition within the tourism industry,” says Ronald Sanabria, Vice President of Tourism for the Rainforest Alliance. “We will continue to promote tourism practices that protect natural landscapes and enhance sustainable livelihoods.”
To date, four standards have achieved GSTC-Approved status. The completion of these step-wise programs rewards standard owners for their commitment to sustainability while offering the market benefit of proof that these independent standards adhere to international norms.
The GSTC will continue to work with organizations around the world to provide GSTC Recognition, Approval & Accreditation of standards for sustainability in travel and tourism. GSTC-Recognized standard owners are encouraged to complete the Approved or Accreditation process in order to showcase excellence in their sustainability frameworks while further distinguishing their standards and processes amongst other certification programs. Learn more about GSTC Approval.
About the GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is a global initiative dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism efforts around the world. The GSTC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit that works to expand understanding of and access to sustainable tourism practices; helps identify and generate markets for sustainable tourism; and educates about and advocates for a set of universal principles, as defined by the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria. The Criteria, a set of voluntary principles that provide a framework for the sustainability of tourism businesses across the globe, is the cornerstone of our initiative. For more information, visit www.gstcouncil.org.
Media Contact: communications@gstcouncil.org
About the Rainforest Alliance
The Rainforest Alliance is an international nonprofit organization working around the world to conserve forests and natural resources while advancing sustainable livelihoods. Since 1987, the Rainforest Alliance focuses on transforming forestry, agriculture, and tourism, collaborates with foresters, farmers, businesses, and workers to build strong forests and healthy communities, protect habitat, and rebalance the Earth.
To learn more about the Rainforest Alliance, visit www.rainforest-alliance.org
