Sustainable Travel Ireland accepts Global Sustainable Tourism Council Industry Criteria

(TAN): Sustainable Travel Ireland has officially accepted the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Industry Criteria to be used by Irish accommodations and tour operators.

Sustainable Travel Ireland, previously known as Ecotourism Ireland, is an Irish organisation responsible for promoting sustainable and responsible tourism, and training and certifying businesses in the country.

GSTC, on the other hand, is a nonprofit based in the United States that acts as the global body to help develop knowledge and understanding of sustainable tourism practices, encourage the implementation of universal sustainable tourism principles, and create demand for sustainable travel.

[ALSO READ: Tourism New Zealand invites Australians to experience real Kiwi winter in latest campaign]

Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Travel Ireland, Rob Rankin, said GSTC sets the standards that businesses require.

“There has never been a more significant need for leadership in sustainability the world over.  Businesses need a standard that they can trust and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council sets those standards for tourism,” he said.

“It has always been important to have our standards recognised by the GSTC and we are delighted to adopt the industry criteria as we diversify and offer certification to all types of sustainable tourism businesses in Ireland and Northern Ireland,” Rankin added.

[ALSO READ: Air New Zealand testing sleeping pods for economy-class passengers]

“We commend Sustainable Travel Ireland for appreciating the value of conforming to international norms for sustainability in their national tourism development strategy,” Chief Executive Officer, GSTC, Randy Durband, said.

GSTC-Recognised status has been conferred upon 11 destination standards, 30 hotel standards and 30 tour operator standards at the moment.

Japan Tourism Agency recently become a Destination Member of the GSTC.

Sustainable Travel Ireland was established in 2009 to develop ecotourism in Ireland, and to showcase the best bits of Ireland while helping preserve its heritage and environment.

Related posts:

Air France to offset CO2 emissions on domestic flights from 2020 Qatar Airways Grounds A380 Fleet Until Demand Increases, A350 To Reduce CO2 Emissions Alaska Air Group, ZeroAvia partner to develop hydrogen powertrain for 76-seat zero-emission aircraft Virgin Atlantic agrees on sustainable aviation fuel supply deal with Neste and ExxonMobil