GSTC CERTIFICATION – HOTEL

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is the main international organization engaged in the promotion of sustainable tourism.
With the GSTC certification, accommodation facilities can demonstrate their commitment to sustainable tourism through a credible and internationally recognized brand.
The hotel standard, recognized worldwide, is made up of various criteria that are developed around four fundamental concepts:

  • Demonstrate effective sustainable management (Governance)
  • Maximize social and economic benefits for the local community and minimize negative impacts
  • Maximize the benefits to cultural heritage and minimize the negative impact
  • Maximize the benefits to the environment and minimize the negative impact

The GSTC mark is obtained through the Vireo certification service.

Vireo is a certification body accredited by Accredia for hotels and tour operator certification. This means that the certification service is carried out and managed according to the accreditation standard, which defines methods, procedures and timing for verification audits ensuring the independence and credibility of the entire system, in compliance with European regulation CE 765/2008. Vireo is accredited according to ISO 17065 for the GSTC scheme worldwide, the accreditation certificate can be downloaded at the following link.

Vireo’s GSTC accreditation can also be easily verified on the GSTC page at the following link.

Vireo South Tyrol

In October 2021 Vireo opened operational headquarters in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano dedicated to GSTC Certification.

FAQ

What are the main characteristics of the GSTC Standard?

The GSTC certification aims to promote the concept of sustainability in the tourism sector in a practical and comprehensive way, through the implementation of basic principles and requirements which reduce the impact on the environment, highlight the local cultural heritage and optimize social and economic benefits for local communities.

What is the certification process like?

What is the duration of a GSTC certificate?

What are the benefits for organizations holding GSTC certification?

How can your guests recognize a GSTC certified facility?

Why choose Vireo as a certification body?

Does Vireo have a valid accreditation to issue GSTC certificates?

Downloads

GSCT TERMS AND CONDITIONS – ITA

This is the Italian version of the GSTC Terms and conditions for Italian clients.

GSTC TERMS AND CONDITIONS – ENG

This document is an integral part of the GSTC quote sent by e-mail to the client.
By signing the quote, the client declares to have downloaded this contractual document, to have carefully read it and to accept its contents.

GSTC CRITERIA FOR DESTINATIONS

This document contains the Criteria and Outcome Indicators developed by the GSTC for destinations.

GSTC CRITERIA FOR HOTELS

This document contains the Criteria and Outcome Indicators developed by the GSTC for the hotel sector.

GSTC CRITERIA FOR TOUR OPERATORS

This document contains the Criteria and Outcome Indicators developed by the GSTC for tour operators.

DISPUTES AND CONFLICTS PROCEDURE – COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS PROCEDURE

This procedure describes how to report and resolve disputes and conflicts.

IMPARTIALITY POLICY

This procedure describes Vireo’s policy of impartiality.

Case History

Full list of GSTC certificates issued by Vireo

On this page you can find the complete list of GSTC certificates issued by Vireo. For each certificate, the type (Hotel, Destination, Tour Operator), the code, the date of issue and expiry, and the status are specified.

On this page you can find the complete list of GSTC certificate issued by Vireo. For each certificate are specified: the type (Hotel, Tour Operator, Destination), the code, the issue and expiry date, and the status.
There is a single hotel audit process in Turkey, with certificate and logo distributed by TGA on behalf of both TGA and GSTC, with both TGA and GSTC logos within it.

Reference Standards
Hotel:GSTC Hotel Criteria, Version 3
Tour Operator:GSTC Tour Operator Criteria, Version 3
Destination: GSTC Destination Criteria, Version 2.0