GSTC CERTIFICATION – HOTEL

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is the main international organization engaged in the promotion of sustainable tourism.
With GSTC certification, accommodation facilities can demonstrate their commitment to sustainable tourism through a credible and internationally recognized brand.
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is an organization which aims to promote sustainability and social responsibility in the world of tourism.

  • 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 GSTC accredited certification body. 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.

Vireo’s GSTC accreditation can be easily verified at the following link. In agreement and cooperation with GSTC, Vireo has also undertaken the Accreditation process with the national body ACCREDIA. In this way, Vireo will be able to provide the GSTC certification service in compliance with the European Regulation EC 765/2008.
In this transitional phase, Vireo legitimately operates by auditing and issuing GSTC certifications for accommodation facilities and tour operators in Italy. This is confirmed by the following GSTC communication available 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?

When the company is ready to be audited, Vireo schedules a first certification audit (Main Assessment). In this phase, the requirements of the GSTC standard applicable to the structure are verified and, if compliance is established, a certificate is issued a few days after the audit.

What is the duration of a GSTC certificate?

he GSTC certificate has a duration of 3 years.

What are the benefits for organizations holding GSTC certification?

Hotel and resort guests are increasingly concerned about the sustainability of the services and products offered and they are aware of the need to adopt measures aimed at protecting and safeguarding the environment. The GSTC standard is internationally recognized and allows certified hotels to demonstrate their commitment to implementing and promoting a management system which is sustainable from an environmental, social and economic point of view.

How can your guests recognize a GSTC certified facility?

GSTC certified hospitality establishments can promote their status by using the GSTC logo on their website and promotional materials, differentiating their resort and publicizing their commitment to implementing a sustainable business management system.

Why choose Vireo as a certification body?

Vireo is a young and dynamic certification body, able to manage any type of certification thanks to a wealth of experience and knowledge of the standards, as well as the competence and professionalism of its auditors.

Companies choose us because our service is flexible, attentive and customer-focussed.

Does Vireo have a valid accreditation to issue GSTC certificates?

Yes. Vireo’s GSTC accreditation can be verified at the following link. Vireo has also undertaken the process of Accreditation with the national body ACCREDIA and during this transition phase continues to operate legitimately by carrying out audits and issuing GSTC certifications for accommodation facilities and tour operators, as confirmed by the following GSTC communication which can be downloaded at the following link.

Downloads

TERMS AND CONDITIONS GSTC VIREO ASIA PACIFIC

The GSTC Certification Agreement applies to all assessment and certification services offered and rendered to clients of the international Vireo Group, and its partner.

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.

GSTC CERTIFICATION PROCESS GUIDELINES (HOTELS, TO, DESTINATIONS)

Document describing the main features of GSTC certification and its certification process

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 are specified: the type (Hotel, Tour Operator, Destination), the code, the issue and expiry date, and the status.

On this page you can find the complete list of GSTC certificate sissued 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

Certification TypeCertification CodeIssue DateExpire DateStatusCityCountryCertificate
Comune di SienaDestinationGSTC DVR23010223/02/202322/02/2026ValidSiena (SI)ItalyGSTC certificate Comune di Siena
Consorzio di Promozione Turistica del Tarvisiano, di Sella Nevea e del Passo Pramollo Soc Cons ArlDestinationGSTC DVR21010106/05/202405/05/2027ValidTarvisio (UD)ItalyGSTC certificate Consorzio Tarvisiano, 2024
Cooperativa Turistica San Vigilio & San MartinDestinationGSTC DVR21010430/08/202429/08/2027ValidMarebbe (BZ)ItalyGSTC certificate Cooperativa Turistica San Vigilio & San Martino, 2024
Alta BadiaDe