GSTC INDUSTRY CRITERIA FOR TOUR OPERATORS

Stage Indicators

%30
Step 1

%70
Step 2

%100
Step 3
SECTION A: Demonstrate effective sustainable management Step
A1 Sustainability management system
The organization has implemented a long-term sustainability management system that is suitable to its size and scope, addresses environmental, social, cultural, economic, quality, human rights, health, safety, risk and crisis management issues and drives continuous improvement. Step 1
A2 Legal compliance
The organization is in compliance with all applicable local, national and international legislation and regulations including, among others, health, safety, labour and environmental aspects. Step 1
A3 Reporting and communication
The organization communicates its sustainability policy, actions and performance to stakeholders, including customers, and seeks to engage their support. Step 1
A4 Staff engagement
Staff are engaged with development and implementation of the sustainability management system and receive periodic guidance and training regarding their roles and responsibilities in its delivery. Step 1
A5 Customer experience
Customer satisfaction, including aspects of sustainability, is monitored and corrective action taken. Step 1
A6 Accurate promotion
Promotional materials and marketing communications are accurate and transparent with regard to the organization and its products and services, including sustainability claims. They do not promise more than is being delivered. Step 3
A7 Buildings and infrastructure
Planning, siting, design, construction, renovation, operation and demolition of buildings and infrastructure…
A7.1 Compliance
…comply with zoning requirements and laws related to protected and sensitive areas and to heritage considerations. Step 3
A7.2 Impact and integrity
…take account of the capacity and integrity of the natural and cultural surroundings. Step 3
A7.3 Sustainable practices and materials
…use locally appropriate and sustainable practices and materials. Step 2
A7.4 Access for all
…provide access and information for persons with special needs, where appropriate. Step 1
A8 Land, water, and property rights
Acquisition by the organization of land and water rights and of property is legal, complies with local communal and indigenous rights, including their free, prior and informed consent, and does not require involuntary resettlement. Step 3
A9 Information and interpretation
The organization provides information about and interpretation of the natural surroundings, local culture, and cultural heritage, as well as an explanation of appropriate behaviour while visiting natural areas, living cultures, and cultural heritage sites. Step 3
A10 Destination engagement
The organization is involved with sustainable tourism planning and management in the destination, where such opportunities exist. Step 2
SECTION B: Maximize social and economic benefits to the local community and minimize negative impacts Step
B1 Community support
The organization actively supports initiatives for local infrastructure and social community development. Examples of initiatives include education, training, health and sanitation and projects which address the impacts of climate change. Step 2
B2 Local employment
Local residents are given equal opportunities for employment and advancement, including in management positions. Step 2
B3 Local purchasing
When purchasing and offering goods and services, the organization gives priority to local and fair trade suppliers whenever these are available and of sufficient quality. Step 1
B4 Local entrepreneurs
The organization supports local entrepreneurs in the development and sale of sustainable products and services that are based on the area’s nature, history and culture. Step 3
B5 Exploitation and harassment
The organization has implemented a policy against commercial, sexual or any other form of exploitation or harassment, particularly of children, adolescents, women, minorities and other vulnerable groups. Step 3
B6 Equal opportunity
The organization offers employment opportunities, including in management positions, without discrimination by gender, race, religion, disability or in other ways. Step 2
B7 Decent work
Labour rights are respected, a safe and secure working environment is provided and employees are paid at least a living wage. Employees are offered regular training, experience and opportunities for advancement. Step 2
B8 Community services
The activities of the organization do not jeopardize the provision of basic services, such as food, water, energy, healthcare or sanitation, to neighbouring communities. Step 3
B9 Local livelihoods
The activities of the organization do not adversely affect local access to livelihoods, including land and aquatic resource use, rights-of-way, transport and housing. Step 2
SECTION C: Maximize benefits to cultural heritage and minimize negative impacts Step
C1 Cultural interactions
The organization follows international and national good practice and locally agreed guidance for the management and promotion of visits to indigenous communities and culturally or historically sensitive sites in order to minimize adverse impacts and maximize local benefits and visitor fulfilment. Step 3
C2 Protecting cultural heritage
The organization contributes to the protection, preservation and enhancement of local properties, sites and traditions of historical, archaeological, cultural and spiritual significance and does not impede access to them by local residents. Step 2
C3 Presenting culture and heritage
The organization values and incorporates authentic elements of traditional and contemporary local culture in its operations, design, decoration, cuisine, or shops, while respecting the intellectual property rights of local communities. Step 1
C4 Artefacts
Historical and archaeological artefacts are not sold, traded or displayed, except as permitted by local and international law. Step 3
Section D: Maximize benefits to the environment and minimize negative impacts Step
D1 Conserving resources
D1.1 Environmentally preferable purchasing
Purchasing policies favour environmentally sustainable suppliers and products, including capital goods, food, beverages, building materials and consumables. Step 1
D1.2 Efficient purchasing
The organization carefully manages the purchasing of consumable and disposable goods, including food, in order to minimize waste. Step 1
D1.3 Energy conservation
Energy consumption is measured by type and steps are taken to minimize overall consumption. The organization makes efforts to increase its use of renewable energy. Step 1
D1.4 Water conservation
Water risk is assessed, water consumption is measured by type, and steps are taken to minimize overall consumption. Water sourcing is sustainable and does not adversely affect environmental flows.In areas of high water risk, context-based water stewardship goals are identified and pursued. Step 1
Section D: Maximize benefits to the environment and minimize negative impacts Step
D2 Reducing pollution
D2.1 Greenhouse gas emissions
Significant greenhouse gas emissions from all sources controlled by the organization are identified, calculated where possible and procedures implemented to avoid or to minimize them. Offsetting of the organization's remaining emissions is encouraged. Step 2
D2.2 Transport
The organization seeks to reduce transportation requirements and actively encourages the use of cleaner and more resource efficient alternatives by customers, employees, suppliers and in its own operations. Step 2
D2.3 Wastewater
Wastewater, including grey water, is effectively treated and is only reused or released safely, with no adverse effects to the local population or the environment. Step 1
D2.4 Solid waste
Waste, including food waste, is measured, mechanisms are in place to reduce waste and, where reduction is not feasible, to reuse or recycle it. Any residual waste disposal has no adverse effect on the local population or the environment. Step 1
D2.5 Harmful substances
The use of harmful substances, including pesticides, paints, swimming pool disinfectants, and cleaning materials, is minimized, and substituted when available by innocuous products or processes. All storage, use, handling, and disposal of chemicals are properly managed. Step 2
D2.6 Minimize pollution
The organization implements practices to minimize pollution from noise, light, runoff, erosion, ozonedepleting substances, and air, water and soil contaminants. Step 2
Section D: Maximize benefits to the environment and minimize negative impacts Step
D3 Conserving biodiversity, ecosystems and landscapes
D3.1 Biodiversity conservation
The organization supports and contributes to biodiversity conservation, including through appropriate management of its own property. Particular attention is paid to natural protected areas and areas of high biodiversity value. Any disturbance of natural ecosystems is minimized, rehabilitated and there is a compensatory contribution to conservation management. Step 2
D3.2 Invasive species
The organization takes measures to avoid the introduction of invasive species. Native species are used for landscaping and restoration wherever feasible, particularly in natural landscapes. Step 3
D3.3 Visits to natural sites
The organization follows appropriate guidelines for the management and promotion of visits to natural sites in order to minimize adverse impacts and maximize visitor fulfilment. Step 2
D3.4 Wildlife interactions
Interactions with free roaming wildlife, taking into account cumulative impacts, are non-invasive and responsibly managed to avoid adverse effects on the animals concerned and on the viability and behaviour of populations in the wild. Step 2
D3.5 Animal welfare
No species of wild animal is acquired, bred or held captive, except by authorized and suitably equipped persons and for properly regulated activities in compliance with local and international law. Housing, care and handling of all wild and domestic animals meets the highest standards of animal welfare. Step 3
D3.6 Wildlife harvesting and trade
Wildlife species are not harvested, consumed, displayed, sold, or traded, except as part of a regulated activity that ensures that their utilization is sustainable, and in compliance with local and international laws. Step 3
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