East Asia & South Pacific
From Mongolia’s wide-open steppes to Fiji’s turquoise reefs, and from Korea’s bustling cities to Japan’s timeless traditions, East Asia and the South Pacific offer some of the world’s most compelling contrasts.
Tourism here is a force for cultural exchange and economic growth, but it also comes with the responsibility to safeguard fragile environments, protect community well-being, and preserve living heritage. The region faces acute sustainability challenges, from overtourism in cultural hotspots such as Kyoto and Seoul’s Bukchon Hanok Village to the climate vulnerability of small island states across the Pacific.
UCSL works with hotels and tour operators across the region to embed sustainability at the highest global standard, with Japan currently the center of our activity.
Tourism here is a force for cultural exchange and economic growth, but it also comes with the responsibility to safeguard fragile environments, protect community well-being, and preserve living heritage. The region faces acute sustainability challenges, from overtourism in cultural hotspots such as Kyoto and Seoul’s Bukchon Hanok Village to the climate vulnerability of small island states across the Pacific.
UCSL works with hotels and tour operators across the region to embed sustainability at the highest global standard, with Japan currently the center of our activity.
Why Sustainability Matters in East Asia & South Pacific
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Heritage and cultural sites face overtourism:Destinations such as Kyoto and Seoul’s Bukchon Hanok Village are under pressure from high visitor numbers, creating tensions with residents and risking cultural degradation. -
Island nations face climate vulnerability:Fiji and other Pacific destinations confront rising seas, coral bleaching, and stronger storms, making sustainable tourism central to survival and resilience. -
Fragile ecosystems require protection:Mongolia’s steppe and alpine regions attract niche tourism, but unregulated growth threatens sensitive landscapes and nomadic traditions.
There is a strong relationship between the GSTC Industry Standard for Hotels and Tour Operators and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Achieving GSTC Certification enables businesses to considerably advance towards their SDGs.
The Standard addresses economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability, and includes performance indicators that provide practical tools for contributing to the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Goals.
See how each GSTC criterion corresponds to specific SDGs here.
Meet Our East Asia & South Pacific Lead
UCSL Representative in East Asia and the Pacific
UCSL's presence in the East Asia and the South Pacific is spearheaded by our dedicated regional representative based in Japan. Through the implementation of the GSTC Standards, we are proud to support the region in setting a benchmark for sustainability, creating opportunities for responsible travelers and empowering local stakeholders to thrive.
Martin Neumann
UCSL Representative in East-Asia and the Pacific
Email: m.neumann@ucsl.eu
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Location: Kyoto, Japan
My journey into sustainable tourism is driven by a deep belief in creating positive, lasting impact. At UCSL, I am dedicated to guiding tourism organizations toward meaningful, responsible practices. By championing GSTC certification and fostering strong local partnerships, I envision a future where tourism safeguards cultural heritage, enriches communities, and protects our planet.
Being part of UCSL means working alongside passionate professionals who empower local actors, share knowledge openly, and hold ourselves to the same high standards we promote.”
Being part of UCSL means working alongside passionate professionals who empower local actors, share knowledge openly, and hold ourselves to the same high standards we promote.”
At UCSL, Martin plays a key role in building partnerships and strengthening regional presence across East-Asia and the Pacific. Drawing on his cross-cultural experience and long-standing commitment to sustainability, he helps foster relationships with tourism organizations, supports early-stage engagement with GSTC Certification, and promotes capacity-building within the sector.
Martin’s regional insight and dedication make him an essential part of UCSL’s mission. His contribution helps ensure that UCSL continues to empower tourism businesses across East-Asia and the Pacific to grow responsibly – preserving local culture, protecting the environment, and contributing to the well-being of their communities.
Martin’s regional insight and dedication make him an essential part of UCSL’s mission. His contribution helps ensure that UCSL continues to empower tourism businesses across East-Asia and the Pacific to grow responsibly – preserving local culture, protecting the environment, and contributing to the well-being of their communities.
Martin, UCSL’s Regional Representative for East-Asia and the Pacific, is currently based in Japan. With a professional journey that bridges continents and sectors, Martin brings a rare combination of international development expertise, sustainability leadership, and hands-on tourism knowledge to his role.
Originally from Germany, Martin spent many years working across African countries, where he collaborated with governments, development agencies, NGOs, and private-sector stakeholders to advance sustainability in the mining sector. His work centered on developing and implementing auditing and certification processes that promoted long-term development while upholding rigorous environmental and social standards. Beyond the technical dimension, Martin’s approach was deeply people-centered, ensuring that safeguards translated into tangible, lasting benefits for local communities and ecosystems.
This grounding in sustainability systems and impact-led development continues to shape Martin’s approach today. After relocating to Japan, he transitioned into the tourism sector, applying his experience to a new context: the growing need for responsible tourism practices across Asia-Pacific destinations. He has since worked in diverse capacities, from Destination Management Company (DMC) operations to the design of regional tourism strategies. In each of these roles, Martin has been an advocate for aligning tourism growth with community wellbeing and environmental stewardship.
Originally from Germany, Martin spent many years working across African countries, where he collaborated with governments, development agencies, NGOs, and private-sector stakeholders to advance sustainability in the mining sector. His work centered on developing and implementing auditing and certification processes that promoted long-term development while upholding rigorous environmental and social standards. Beyond the technical dimension, Martin’s approach was deeply people-centered, ensuring that safeguards translated into tangible, lasting benefits for local communities and ecosystems.
This grounding in sustainability systems and impact-led development continues to shape Martin’s approach today. After relocating to Japan, he transitioned into the tourism sector, applying his experience to a new context: the growing need for responsible tourism practices across Asia-Pacific destinations. He has since worked in diverse capacities, from Destination Management Company (DMC) operations to the design of regional tourism strategies. In each of these roles, Martin has been an advocate for aligning tourism growth with community wellbeing and environmental stewardship.
Global Standards, Local Impact, Real Business Results:
Grow Smarter with GSTC Certification
Grow Smarter with GSTC Certification
The GSTC Framework gives you the structure to:
- say sustainability influences their booking decisions (Booking.com Travel & Sustainability Report, 2025)
- hotels with strong sustainability strategies can reduce costs by up to 30% (Sustainable Hospitality Alliance research)
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Unlock B2B OpportunitiesTravel agencies and corporate buyers increasingly prioritize GSTC-certified providers
- 47% of travelers in Asia-Pacific say they favor certified sustainable travel options, the highest rate of any region (Trip.com Group Sustainable Travel Consumer Report 2024)
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Gain OTA visibilityMajor booking platforms, including Trip.com, Traveloka, Booking.com now prominently feature GSTC-certified hotels -
Deliver meaningful experiences & protect your destinationmeet demand for authenticity, and preserve what your guests value most
GSTC Certification helps your business grow responsibly — earning traveler trust, improving performance, and protecting the places and communities that make your destination unique.
More benefits of GSTC certification with UCSL Ready to bring your commitment to the global stage?
Certification is not the finish line, it’s the foundation. For access. For relevance. For resilience. If your business is ready to lead and move forward with purpose – let’s talk.
Certification is not the finish line, it’s the foundation. For access. For relevance. For resilience. If your business is ready to lead and move forward with purpose – let’s talk.
What We Certify
- From eco-lodges to 5-star resorts, we guide accommodations toward full GSTC certification — helping them align internal operations with sustainability best practices, while also meeting increasing OTA requirements.
- We support community-based, luxury, and niche tour operators to stand out with trusted, third-party GSTC certification — adding transparency and competitive value in a shifting travel landscape.
Our Client Stories
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By gaining GSTC certification, Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo joined an exclusive group of properties worldwide that uphold world's stringent sustainability standards.
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The assessment, conducted by UCSL, included a rigorous evaluation of Eco Guide Café’s procedures, operations, including their suppliers’ management. The Japanese tour operator showcased that sustainability is embedded throughout every stage of their work, fostering both authentic guest experiences and well-being of local nature and people.
Milestones in GSTC Implementation Across the Region
From regional summits to public-private alliances, East Asia and the South Pacific countries are rapidly embedding sustainability into the future of tourism.
These milestones reflect the growing momentum:
These milestones reflect the growing momentum:
- The GSTC2025 Conference Took Place in Fiji with 350 Delegates from 40+ Countries
- GSTC partners with Agoda to Promote Sustainable Tourism in Japan
- Empowering Tourism Professionals in Japan: 17 GSTC Trainings held in 2024
- GSTC partners with Agoda to Promote Sustainable Tourism in South Korea
- Korea Tourism Organization Joins GSTC
- The Mongolian Ministry of Environment and Tourism Joins GSTC
- Trip.com now highlights GSTC-certified hotels
- New Zealand Joins GSTC
- Cook Islands joins GSTC
Country Highlights
Japan’s deep respect for culture, nature, and tradition has long shaped the way people travel in the country. From sacred landscapes like Aso’s thousand-year-old grasslands to community-led preservation projects, Japan shows how tourism can reinforce stewardship rather than erode it. This cultural ethos is now finding structure and recognition through the GSTC framework, with businesses, destinations, and policymakers increasingly aligning around global sustainability standards. The recent GSTC Members’ Meeting in Sapporo underscored both the growing demand for certification and the strong call for more training to support its implementation.
Momentum has been building on several fronts. The Japan Tourism Agency and Japan Airlines have both joined GSTC, signaling leadership at both government and industry level. The Japan Sustainable Tourism Standard for Destinations is now recognized by GSTC, providing a benchmark for destinations nationwide. On the ground, engagement has been remarkable: 17 GSTC Sustainable Tourism Trainings were held in 2024, equipping professionals with the knowledge to turn standards into practice. Agoda and GSTC has partnered to build awareness and promote the Standards implementation. GSTC has also taken an active role in major national events, from the Tourism EXPO to the JAFIT National Conference, ensuring sustainability is part of the country’s most influential industry conversations.
Momentum has been building on several fronts. The Japan Tourism Agency and Japan Airlines have both joined GSTC, signaling leadership at both government and industry level. The Japan Sustainable Tourism Standard for Destinations is now recognized by GSTC, providing a benchmark for destinations nationwide. On the ground, engagement has been remarkable: 17 GSTC Sustainable Tourism Trainings were held in 2024, equipping professionals with the knowledge to turn standards into practice. Agoda and GSTC has partnered to build awareness and promote the Standards implementation. GSTC has also taken an active role in major national events, from the Tourism EXPO to the JAFIT National Conference, ensuring sustainability is part of the country’s most influential industry conversations.
Milestones
- GSTC partners with Agoda to Promote Sustainable Tourism in Japan
- Empowering Tourism Professionals in Japan: 17 GSTC Trainings held in 2024
- GSTC Members’ Meeting in Sapporo
- People-Powered Preservation in Japan
- “Agriculture x Tourism” Helps Protect Grassland in Aso, Japan
- Japan’s Journey Toward Sustainability
- Why local communities are important to Japan's ailing tourism industry
- Japan Tourism Agency Joins GSTC
- Japan Airlines Joins GSTC
- Japan Sustainable Tourism Standard forDestinations now GSTC-Recognized
- Survey results on Japanese Sustainable Tourism
- GSTC was present at Japan’s Tourism EXPO 2024
- GSTC in Japan: Speaking at JAFIT National Conference
- GSTC’s 2025 Japan Members Meeting concluded successfully
- GSTC Japan Members Meeting concluded successfully
- GSTC Workshop and Training in Japan Successfully Completed
Watch, Learn, Get Inspired
- Strategies for Sustainable Tourism in Japan | Emi Kaiwa of GSTC
- [POD] How to make Japan tourism more sustainable | GSTC manager Emi Kaiwa interview
- [POD] Seek Sustainable Japan Podcast – whole podcast playlist
- Tricolage’s Journey to Certification as a Sustainable Tour Operator
- GSTC2024Singapore - Sustainable Tourism in Japan
- Course GSTC Standard And Best Practices In Asia
- Intangible cultural heritage safeguarding and climate action in Asia and the Pacific
GSTC Standards in Japanese (日本語)
South Korea combines rapid urban growth with deep cultural traditions, making sustainability in tourism an increasing national priority. The country has embedded the hifgest global sustainability standard into local practice through the Korea Tourism Organization’s membership in GSTC and the recognition of both the Sustainable City Tourism Destination Standard and the Korean Ecotourism Standard.
Cities and regions are playing an active role: Ulsan Metropolitan City and the Chungbuk Cultural Foundation have become GSTC Members, and a Destination Assessment was carried out at the Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon. On the industry side, GSTC’s partnership with Agoda promotes sustainable lodging across the country, while the Sustainable MICE Management Forum in Seoul demonstrates how event tourism is being aligned with sustainability goals. Collaboration extends further through agreements with Korean partners and participation in major events, including the APEC Workshop on Land Use Planning for Sustainable Tourism and the GSTC Asia-Pacific Conference in Gunsan.
Cities and regions are playing an active role: Ulsan Metropolitan City and the Chungbuk Cultural Foundation have become GSTC Members, and a Destination Assessment was carried out at the Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon. On the industry side, GSTC’s partnership with Agoda promotes sustainable lodging across the country, while the Sustainable MICE Management Forum in Seoul demonstrates how event tourism is being aligned with sustainability goals. Collaboration extends further through agreements with Korean partners and participation in major events, including the APEC Workshop on Land Use Planning for Sustainable Tourism and the GSTC Asia-Pacific Conference in Gunsan.
Milestones
- GSTC partners with Agoda to Promote Sustainable Tourism in South Korea
- GSTC Destination Assessment of Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon, South Korea
- Korea Tourism Organization Joins GSTC
- Ulsan Metropolitan City Becomes a GSTC Member
- The Korean Ecotourism Standard Achieves GSTC Recognition
- Sustainable City Tourism Destination Standard for The Republic of Korea Achieves GSTC-Recognition
- Chungbuk Cultural Foundation joins GSTC
- GSTC Signs Collaboration Agreement with Korean Partners
- GSTC Participated in the 2025 Sustainable MICE Management Forum in Seoul
- GSTC Participated in the APEC Workshop on Land Use Planning for Sustainable Tourism in Korea
- GSTC 2022 Asia-Pacific Conference in Gunsan, Korea
- GSTC to support 2016 Sustainable & Smart Tourism Forum (2016 SSTF) in Seoul, South Korea
- GSTC CEO Randy Durband addressed Biodiversity & Tourism at the CBD COP12 in Korea
Watch, Learn, Get Inspired
The country is at an early stage of embedding global standards, but first steps have been taken to align its tourism development with internationally acknowledged frameworks.
The Mongolian Ministry of Environment and Tourism has joined GSTC, signaling national-level commitment to sustainability in the sector. Through GSTC’s introduction and awareness activities in the country, local stakeholders are beginning to explore how to implement the global standard.
While still in its early phases, this engagement marks an important foundation: Mongolia is opening the door to sustainable tourism practices that balance growth with the protection of its unique environment and traditions.
The Mongolian Ministry of Environment and Tourism has joined GSTC, signaling national-level commitment to sustainability in the sector. Through GSTC’s introduction and awareness activities in the country, local stakeholders are beginning to explore how to implement the global standard.
While still in its early phases, this engagement marks an important foundation: Mongolia is opening the door to sustainable tourism practices that balance growth with the protection of its unique environment and traditions.
Milestones
- The Mongolian Ministry of Environment and Tourism Joins GSTC
- GSTC introduced to Mongolia
- UN Mongolia | UNITE TO ACT for SDGs | Global Week to #Act4SDGs
- Mongolia wants tourism to be 10% of GDP by 2030, minister says
- Green jobs and Decent work in Ger and nature tourism in Mongolia
- GCF in Mongolia: Towards a climate-resilient future
- Mongolia invests big to revive tourism
GSTC Criteria in Mongolian (Монгол хэл)
Taiwan is steadily positioning itself as a hub for sustainable hospitality in East Asia. Government initiatives play a strong role: hotels achieving sustainability certification can access subsidies covering up to 80% of their fees, creating powerful incentives for industry adoption.
On the business side, groups like Forte Hotels have joined GSTC, while a series of workshops and trainings, including the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training in Taichung, built capacity across the sector. GSTC has also contributed to Taiwan’s sustainability dialogue at high-level events such as the International Symposium of Tourism Development for Sustainability and the International Cruise Forum. Education is part of the effort too, with GSTC introduced to tourism students at Ming Chuan University, helping to embed sustainability values in the next generation of professionals.
Together, these initiatives highlight Taiwan’s proactive approach: combining government incentives, industry leadership, and education to align its tourism sector with global sustainability standards.
On the business side, groups like Forte Hotels have joined GSTC, while a series of workshops and trainings, including the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training in Taichung, built capacity across the sector. GSTC has also contributed to Taiwan’s sustainability dialogue at high-level events such as the International Symposium of Tourism Development for Sustainability and the International Cruise Forum. Education is part of the effort too, with GSTC introduced to tourism students at Ming Chuan University, helping to embed sustainability values in the next generation of professionals.
Together, these initiatives highlight Taiwan’s proactive approach: combining government incentives, industry leadership, and education to align its tourism sector with global sustainability standards.
Milestones
- Taiwan Offers Subsidies for Hotels Achieving Sustainability Certifications: Up to 80%
- A Taiwanese Island Boosts Tourist Capacity – Sustainably
- Forte Hotels joins GSTC
- GSTC Keynotes the 2018 International Symposium of Tourism Development for Sustainability (Taiwan)
- GSTC Keynotes the International Cruise Forum in Taiwan 2018
- Introducing GSTC to Tourism Students of Ming Chuan University, Taiwan
- GSTC Training: Sustainable Tourism Training in Taiwan
- Successful GSTC F&B Standard Feasibility Assessment Workshop Held in Taiwan
- The GSTC Training sponsored by the Taichung City Government in Taiwan concluded successfully
Watch, Learn, Get Inspired
- 2023 TVA 67週年年會演講】Sustainable Tourism as the Future of Tourism
- How a small Yilan farm put Taiwanese tourism on the global map｜Taiwan News
- Taiwan's Tourism Shift: From Leisure to Tech & Sustainability
- Impressive! TAIWAN — TAIWAN SELECT：A Sustainable Feast for Tomorrow
- Go Green with Taiwan | Leading the way for a greener sustainable future | Taiwan Excellence
- The Future of Taiwan Tourism
- Ecotourism and What Tourism Should Be (Taiwan as a Case Study) | The Ripple Effect Podcast EP1
- The Ripple Effect Podcast – whole podcast playlist
Fiji has become a focal point for sustainable tourism in the region. Tourism Fiji has joined GSTC, while the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Destination Standard has achieved GSTC-recognized status. Regional cooperation is also deepening through the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (PSTPF), developed with the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and aligned with GSTC.
Fiji has hosted major sustainability events, including the GSTC2025 Global Conference, which brought together 350 delegates from more than 40 countries, and the Third GSTC Academic Symposium.
With this combination of national leadership, regional collaboration, and global visibility, Fiji is emerging as the South Pacific’s hub for advancing GSTC framework and charting a more resilient path for island tourism.
Fiji has hosted major sustainability events, including the GSTC2025 Global Conference, which brought together 350 delegates from more than 40 countries, and the Third GSTC Academic Symposium.
With this combination of national leadership, regional collaboration, and global visibility, Fiji is emerging as the South Pacific’s hub for advancing GSTC framework and charting a more resilient path for island tourism.
Milestones
- Tourism Fiji Joins GSTC
- The GSTC2025 Conference Took Place in Fiji with 350 Delegates from more than 40 Countries
- GSTC2025 Fiji Resources
- Pacific Sustainable Tourism Destination Standard Gains GSTC-Recognized Status
- The Yuluca Alliance Shares Perspectives on Regional Collaboration at GSTC2025 in Fiji
- Third GSTC Academic Symposium concluded successfully
- SPTO, Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (PSTPF), and the GSTC
- GSTC was present at Fiji’s Tourism Super Week
- GSTC at Fiji’s Workshop The Green Tourism Certification Framework
- Resistance to mega-tourism is rising in the South Pacific – but will governments put words into action?
Watch, Learn, Get Inspired
- Introducing Loloma Hour: Fiji’s Happy Hour for Environmental and Cultural Preservation
- Fiji Stories of Change: Toward a Sustainable Fiji
- Fiji National Sustainable Tourism Framework Launch Video
- Sustainable Tourism as a Force for Good. | Akshay Singh | TEDxNadi
- Highlights | Regional Workshop on Sustainable Gastronomy Tourism in the Pacific - Fiji (June 2025)
- Fiji’s Path to Green Prosperity
- Climate Change Fiji - The Devastating Reality
- Community Management of Fiji’s Great Sea Reef
- TNG Fiji Project Overview August 2025
The South Pacific islands share common challenges – climate vulnerability, small-scale economies, and the social impacts of tourism – but also a strong commitment to cultural and environmental stewardship. Many Pacific island nations are beginning to engage with GSTC to strengthen their long-term resilience in fragile island environments.
Vanuatu has taken a national step toward sustainable tourism by joining GSTC through its Department of Tourism. The Cook Islands are building sustainability into their tourism strategy by joining GSTC and hosting destination assessment. Palau has become internationally known for its pioneering eco-pledge, requiring visitors to commit to responsible travel. In Micronesia and Papua New Guinea, GSTC has been introduced through awareness programs and pilot activities.
Vanuatu has taken a national step toward sustainable tourism by joining GSTC through its Department of Tourism. The Cook Islands are building sustainability into their tourism strategy by joining GSTC and hosting destination assessment. Palau has become internationally known for its pioneering eco-pledge, requiring visitors to commit to responsible travel. In Micronesia and Papua New Guinea, GSTC has been introduced through awareness programs and pilot activities.
Milestones
- Cook Islands joins GSTC
- Successful GSTC Destination Assessment in Cook Islands
- Vanuatu Department of Tourism Joins GSTC
- GSTC awareness expands in Papua New Guinea
- Vanuatu Tourism Gets a Reboot
- Destination Assessment of Santo Island, Vanuatu
- Sustainability Vanuatu & Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Foundation (SSTF) MOU Signing
- GSTC Visit to Vanuatu
- The Finance Minister of Vanuatu inaugurated the GSTC Training in Port Vila
- GSTC Vice Chair meets Prime Minister of Vanuatu
- Samoa Completes GSTC Early Adopter Assessment
- GSTC Introduced to Micronesia
Watch, Learn, Get Inspired
- GSTC2025 Fiji | How the Cook Islands is Planning its Development through Tourism
- An Environmental Time Bomb That Could Destroy Micronesia's Marine Life (2011)
- Kiribati and climate change | DW Documentary
- Kiribati: Battling for Survival (Rising Sea Levels)
- Children of Palau: Leave only footprints that will wash away | TED Countdown
- Palau's New Mandatory Eco-Pledge is the First of Its Kind | National Geographic
- Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation: Integrating modern technology and traditional knowledge
- Vanuatu Low Emissions Development Strategy
- Climate change impacts on water and infrastructure - Vanuatu Climate Futures Portal
- Vanuatu, on the Front Line of Climate Change
- Vanuatu Climate Change Trip
- Vanuatu’s Living Traditions: The Last Cargo Cult | SLICE | FULL DOCUMENTARY
Knowledge Hub
- Sustainable Tourism Academy
- GSTC2025 Fiji Recordings Available Online
- GSTC2024 Singapore Recordings Available Online
- RBHRF 2020: Side Event - Rethinking the Restart of Tourism in the Asia Pacific Region
- GSTC Webinar: Sustainability Lessons from the Asia Pacific Region
- Intangible cultural heritage safeguarding and climate action in Asia and the Pacific
Regional FAQ – Hotels & Tour Operators
in East Asia & South Pacific
in East Asia & South Pacific
GSTC certification has emerged as the global reference point for hotels, resorts, and tour operators.
Here’s how GSTC certification is different – and more future-ready:
Other certifications may be more familiar regionally, but they often lack the same level of credibility with investors, regulators, and international travel partners. UCSL ensures that your transition from another certification is smooth.
Read how GSTC compares to other certifications
Here’s how GSTC certification is different – and more future-ready:
- Globally recognized by the United Nations, OECD, and ISO-based frameworks
- Endorsed by EU regulators under the CSRD and CSDDD frameworks
- Required or prioritized by OTAs like Agoda and Trip.com for eco-filter visibility
- Offers legal protection by helping you avoid greenwashing risks
- Encourages performance-based sustainability – not just checklists
Other certifications may be more familiar regionally, but they often lack the same level of credibility with investors, regulators, and international travel partners. UCSL ensures that your transition from another certification is smooth.
Read how GSTC compares to other certifications
The average certification timeline is 3 to 6 months, depending on the size of your business, your internal preparedness, and how quickly you respond to audit steps. UCSL structures the process into clear, achievable phases to keep your team on track – even if sustainability is new to you.
Here’s what the typical journey looks like:
Self-Assessment Checklist
Shared immediately after signing the agreement, this tool helps you map current practices against GSTC criteria and prioritize any adjustments.
Introductory Orientation Call
A one-time 30-minute session with your UCSL coordinator, designed to clarify timelines, expectations, and how to organize the process.
Preliminary Assessment – Remote Documentation Review & Gap Report
We assess your policies, procedures, and implementation evidence remotely and share a written report to flag potential non-conformities – giving you time to fix them before the audit.
Onsite Audit
An onsite visit by a GSTC-qualified auditor who will meet your team, inspect your operations, and verify performance across all criteria.
Decision & Certification
Our independent reviewer assesses the audit report, and – if successful – issues your GSTC certificate
Read more about our certification process
Here’s what the typical journey looks like:
Self-Assessment Checklist
Shared immediately after signing the agreement, this tool helps you map current practices against GSTC criteria and prioritize any adjustments.
Introductory Orientation Call
A one-time 30-minute session with your UCSL coordinator, designed to clarify timelines, expectations, and how to organize the process.
Preliminary Assessment – Remote Documentation Review & Gap Report
We assess your policies, procedures, and implementation evidence remotely and share a written report to flag potential non-conformities – giving you time to fix them before the audit.
Onsite Audit
An onsite visit by a GSTC-qualified auditor who will meet your team, inspect your operations, and verify performance across all criteria.
Decision & Certification
Our independent reviewer assesses the audit report, and – if successful – issues your GSTC certificate
Read more about our certification process
Training is not mandatory – but in our experience across East Asia and the South Pacific, it makes a major difference. Especially for operational managers, engineering teams, and front office leaders who are directly involved in implementing policies and documentation, structured support ensures efficiency and confidence.
UCSL offers regionally tailored support, including:
Training sessions – focusing on the most commonly misunderstood GSTC Criteria (e.g., community engagement, labor policies, procurement, and energy management).
Internal tools & documentation guidance shared upon contract signature, including a structured Self-Assessment Checklist and strategic session.
Not sure if your team is ready? Contact us to request a no-obligation intro session with our training or certification specialists.
UCSL offers regionally tailored support, including:
Training sessions – focusing on the most commonly misunderstood GSTC Criteria (e.g., community engagement, labor policies, procurement, and energy management).
Internal tools & documentation guidance shared upon contract signature, including a structured Self-Assessment Checklist and strategic session.
Not sure if your team is ready? Contact us to request a no-obligation intro session with our training or certification specialists.
Yes – and in fact, many of UCSL’s certified clients are not located in major cities. In East Asia and the South Pacific, remote destinations are often the most vulnerable to environmental and cultural pressures – which makes credible sustainability certification even more essential.
UCSL is uniquely equipped to support these environments. Here’s how:
UCSL is uniquely equipped to support these environments. Here’s how:
- We tailor methodology for operations that are off-grid, seasonal, or lacking formal documentation systems.
- We optimize auditor logistics to reduce costs and disruption to your team.
- We offer pre-audit and flexible timing aligned with monsoon cycles, staffing flows, or boat access.
- It’s scalable and adaptive – the same core criteria apply across the globe, but how you meet them depends on your size, location, and context.
- Small family-run lodges and large 5-star chains are both eligible – but the way they show compliance differs.
- Certification isn’t about matching a big-city template. It’s about demonstrating responsibility in your own setting — and UCSL is here to help you do exactly that.
Yes – UCSL specializes in working with premium, boutique, and design-forward properties that require a certification process aligned with their brand, guest expectations, and internal service culture.
Here’s what we offer to meet the needs of top-tier hotels and resorts:
Here’s what we offer to meet the needs of top-tier hotels and resorts:
- Senior-level auditor assignment with experience in 5-star international hospitality environments
- Tailored planning – including flexible timing, NDA handling, and VIP confidentiality where required
- Premium pricing models designed for large teams, multiple departments, or expansive facilities
- Optional integration with other reporting frameworks (e.g., ESG indicators, investor sustainability disclosures)
Yes – UCSL provides dedicated certification services for the cruise tourism sector. We understand the unique operational challenges of shorex operators and providers in the region and beyond (including multi-destination operations across continents).
Ready to begin or want more information? Contact us to request a no-obligation intro session with our specialists.
- Experience at all scales – We work with both major shore excursion companies and small family-run tour providers. Whether you operate in a major cruise hub or manage nature tours on a remote Caribbean isle, UCSL’s guidance adapts to your context.
- Flexible, scalable audits – For tour operators running excursions across multiple islands or countries, we coordinate audits to minimize disruption. UCSL offers hybrid approaches: we combine pre-assessment via remote review with targeted onsite audits.
- Aligned with cruise line priorities – Major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises now reference GSTC certification in supplier procurement. Having GSTC certification gives your business procurement advantages and improves your chance of inclusion in their tour catalogs.
- Complete sustainability assurance – GSTC certification goes beyond a generic “green” label. It covers community involvement, heritage protection, environmental footprint, guide training, animal welfare, and more – all verified by qualified auditors.
Ready to begin or want more information? Contact us to request a no-obligation intro session with our specialists.
Yes. UCSL actively works to make GSTC certification more accessible for businesses in the region by offering a range of strategic discounts and connections to external funding mechanisms.
Available opportunities may include:
Talk to our team
Available opportunities may include:
- Promotional pricing for case study hotels and tour operators – in exchange for allowing UCSL to publish anonymized findings or participate in public showcases.
- National or regional tourism board initiatives
- Green financing options
Talk to our team
Not sure you are ready?
No matter where you are on your sustainability journey – UCSL is here to guide you every step. Whether you need an initial orientation, training, or a GSTC certification assessment, we provide the expertise and support to help your business grow stronger, more resilient, and more trusted in today’s tourism market.
We don't just certify – we co-create lasting change with every partner we serve. Get in touch with our team for an informational call:
We don't just certify – we co-create lasting change with every partner we serve. Get in touch with our team for an informational call:
