Global Sustainable Tourism Council
Budget
€2,100,000
EP Access
0
accredited persons
Staff
4
0.7 FTE
EU Grants
None
Mission & Goals
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC) establishes and manages global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, known as the GSTC Standards (formerly GSTC Criteria). The GSTC is an independent and neutral organization, legally registered in the USA as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel and tourism businesses, NGO’s, individuals and communities. It is a virtual organization without a main office, with staff and volunteers working worldwide. The GSTC is an ISEAL Community Member, Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (formally known as IAF) Stakeholder Member, and a global membership organization for ambitious, collaborative, and transparent sustainability systems. The GSTC work is global and that includes a full commitment to complying with EU directives and guidelines.
EU Legislative Interests
- Green Claim Directive - Unfair commercial practices directive - Digital Markets Act - 2007_0029(COD).Requirements for accreditation and market surveillance relating to the marketing of products (repeal. Regulation (EEC) No 339/93) - 2023_2932(DEA) Verification activities, accreditation of verifiers and approval of monitoring plans by administering authorities
Communication Activities
GSTC has submitted written comments regarding the following INI report: 2025/2120 (INI) "Enhancing connectivity, preserving cultural heritage and driving local excellence in European tourism – destination management and regional tourism growth.”
Interests Represented
Does not represent commercial interests
Member Of
ISEAL Alliance Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC) Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (formally known as IAF) Accredia - Italian National Accreditation Body
Organisation Members
The GSTC is partnering with Capital European Affairs (https://capitalaffairs.eu/who-we-are/), based in Brussels. The GSTC members directory (https://www.gstcouncil.org/membership/member-search/)
Additional Information
CEA is GSTC's partnering organization and acts as an intermediary.
Commissioner Meetings
No recorded meetings with EU commissioners.