Across the Caribbean, vibrant island ecosystems and deeply rooted cultural identities shape an extraordinary tourism landscape – but also one defined by its operational complexity. From the volcanic peaks of Saint Lucia to the coral atolls of the Bahamas, sustainability here is inseparable from isolation. The logistics of staff training, waste management, and reliable assessments can be daunting. Yet change is underway. Governments, hoteliers, and local operators are increasingly turning to GSTC standards as a framework for building long-term resilience and securing access to global distribution channels.
Cruise tourism, long a dominant force in the region, is undergoing its own sustainability reckoning. With Shorex (shore excursions) now under increased scrutiny, leading cruise lines are encouraging – and in some cases requiring – their tour partners to pursue GSTC certification. This shift is elevating expectations for environmental and social accountability across the region’s most visited ports and excursions.
UCSL supports properties, tour operators, and shorex providers throughout the Caribbean with flexible, context-sensitive certification solutions. Our hybrid delivery model – blending remote documentation review with onsite local auditor support – is particularly suited to island nations where direct access is often limited. From the Dominican Republic to Grenada, our teams bring clarity and structure to clients seeking credible pathways to sustainability.