The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is an independent organization established in 2007 by UNEP, the United Nations Environment Program, and UNWTO, the United Nations World Tourism Organization, for promoting the increased knowledge, understanding and adoption of sustainable tourism practices.
With GSTC certification, destinations can demonstrate their commitment to sustainable tourism through a credible and internationally recognized brand.
Obtaining GSTC certification is the most prestigious achievement for tourist destinations that make sustainability a fundamental element of their offer.

The GSTC criteria are recognized worldwide and are developed around four fundamental concepts:

• Sustainable Management (Governance)
• Socio-economic sustainability
• Cultural sustainability
• Environmental sustainability

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.