GSTC Program

Empowering tourism businesses in their journey towards sustainability excellence through GSTC Certification
About the Program
As one of the first GSTC-Accredited Certification Bodies since 2019, UCSL brings trusted expertise to the tourism and hospitality industries. We support businesses worldwide in implementing the GSTC Standard – the globally trusted benchmark for sustainability and excellence in tourism.

UCSL’s Accreditation Scope:
Technical Scope: GSTC-H (Hotels & Accommodations), GSTC-TO (Tour Operators)
Geographical Scope: Worldwide, excluding China
Our GSTC certification is independently verified by Travalyst, a coalition of major travel brands like Booking.com, Google, and Expedia Group.
Strategic Partnership with WSHA
Are you a WSHA member? As the Strategic Certification Partner of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA), UCSL offers WSHA members exclusive benefits and enhanced support package.
Exclusive Benefits for WSHA Members
As the Strategic Partner of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA), UCSL is proud to offer a comprehensive support package for all WSHA members pursuing GSTC-accredited certification:
  • Discounted Certification Fees

Special pricing tiers available exclusively to WSHA member properties worldwide.
  • Complimentary Pre-Assessment
Initial remote review of sustainability documentation — free of charge.
  • Strategic Onboarding Support

Tailored guidance from UCSL’s dedicated international coordination team.
  • Interactive Webinars & Q&A Sessions
Free access to live onboarding webinars, best-practice workshops, and direct Q&A with our certification team.
  • Priority Scheduling
Expedited pre-audit and audit planning to accommodate global timelines and hotel groups.

More details are available at:

World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance Website
UCSL Website
Local Experts, Global Impact
From the Americas to Japan, UCSL brings the highest standards of sustainable tourism to businesses worldwide. Our global network of local auditors and representatives delivers tailored support with deep regional expertise in cultures, languages, and regulatory frameworks.
Europe (including UK)
Balkans
Middle East
Southeast Asia
India
Central Asia
Americas
Australia & Oceania
Japan
Africa
Our operations are expanding continuously – and new locations will soon appear on the map. Stay tuned!
Europe (including UK)
Middle East
Southeast Asia
Central Asia
Australia & Oceania
Explore our regional presence and meet your dedicated local team by visiting our Regional Presence Page.

Need Assistance?
For more information about our services in your preferred language and region, contact our Head Office Program Manager at: a.zavadskaya@ucsl.eu
Why Partners Choose Us
UCSL delivers premium, globally acknowledged certification services with a commitment to excellence, tailored expertise, and impactful results.
  • Credible Global Certification
    Verified through accreditation, we meet the highest standards of competence, impartiality, and transparency, delivering certification you can trust
  • Premium-Level Quality
    Our top-tier sustainability experts, with over 90% holding PhDs, combine in-depth assessments with impactful results that go beyond traditional inspections
  • Our boutique approach with personalized solutions and rigorous attention to quality ensures excellence, respectful collaboration and a seamless certification process
  • Our global network of local auditors provides personalized support and deep knowledge of regional practices, ensuring a smooth and efficient certification process
  • Your Values-Aligned Partner
    Sustainability and quality are at the heart of UCSL. Beyond certification, we drive positive change through research, education, and conservation, collaborating with NGOs and governments worldwide
  • From initial contact to certificate issuance, our step-by-step approach ensures precision, efficiency, and exceptional results tailored to your sustainability goals
Certification Journey With Us
Who Can Be Certified
We provide tailored certification solutions to meet the unique needs of different sectors within the tourism industry. Whether you operate a single hotel, manage multiple properties, or run tours worldwide, UCSL guides you seamlessly through the GSTC Certification journey.
  • Align your property with GSTC Standard to showcase excellence in sustainability and attract responsible travelers
  • Ensure your tours fully comply with GSTC Criteria, driving greater trust, credibility, and visibility for your services
  • Streamline sustainability certification across multiple locations or properties with our efficient and coordinated solutions
Process Step by Step
Achieving GSTC Certification with UCSL is a streamlined and transparent process designed to align with your sustainability goals.
  • Initial Inquiry & Contract
    Defining scope and formalizing our partnership.
  • Self-Assessment & Documentation Review
    A remote first step to identify gaps.
  • Pre-Assessment (Optional)
    Online or onsite evaluation to prepare for the audit.
  • Initial Audit
    Comprehensive onsite evaluation against GSTC Criteria.
  • Certification Issuance
    Your certificate is awarded for 3 years upon successful completion.
  • Ongoing Surveillance
    Annual audits to ensure continuous compliance.
Timelines: 2–6 months, depending on your readiness and regional considerations.
Trusted Globally
At UCSL, we proudly guide businesses worldwide on their path to GSTC Certification. From renowned luxury hotels to innovative tour operators, our clients span diverse regions and industries, united by a shared commitment to sustainability.
Our Clients Network
Explore our growing network of certified clients across the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
What Our Clients Say
UCSL offers a tailored approach to certification that suits every scale and ambition. Hear directly from our clients about their experiences working with us, their journey toward achieving GSTC certification, and the tangible benefits for their reputation, operations, and guest satisfaction.
Our Partners
At UCSL, collaboration with local businesses and professionals is fundamental to achieving true sustainability. By partnering with organizations worldwide, we contribute to advancing research and building local expertise. These partnerships not only enable us to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and support businesses and communities in creating long-term value but also enrich our approach with diverse perspectives, innovative solutions, and regional insights, ensuring a meaningful and sustainable impact globally.
Start Your Path to GSTC Certification!
Take the next step towards excellence in sustainability. Together, we’ll elevate your business’s profile, showcasing your dedication to responsible practices.

Join us in shaping the future where sustainability isn’t just a goal, but a way of life.