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.

Our GSTC certification is independently verified by Travalyst, a coalition of major travel brands like Booking.com, Google, and Expedia Group.

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

Europe (including UK)

Balkans

Middle East

Southeast Asia

India

Central Asia

Americas

Australia & Oceania

Japan

Africa

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

Commitment to Excellence

Our boutique approach with personalized solutions and rigorous attention to quality ensures excellence, respectful collaboration and a seamless certification process

Local Expertise

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

Seamless Certification Process

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

Start the Journey

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.

Hotels

Align your property with GSTC Standard to showcase excellence in sustainability and attract responsible travelers

Tour Operators

Ensure your tours fully comply with GSTC Criteria, driving greater trust and credibility for your services

Groups & Multi-site Organizations

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.

Discover the Full Certification Process →

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.

Discover Media Features on Our Impact

“Being GSTC-Certified is a testament to our dedication to not only offering luxury but also being responsible stewards of our environment and community. The process was certainly comprehensive and thorough. From initial evaluations to accommodating rigorous on-site audits, it took us several months to become certified by UCSL. Being situated in the heart of London, there were unique challenges related to space and urban dynamics. However, this certification makes us exceptionally proud as it signifies our commitment to sustainability, even within the urban and historically rich setting of London.”

Torsten van Dullemen, Direstor of Sustainability of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group,
about GSTC Certification of

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London (the UK)

“As the first and only hotel in Cyprus to be GSTC-Certified, this recognition reinforces our unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and eco-friendly initiatives… We owe a huge thank you to UCSL United Certification Systems LTD for their relentless efforts in pushing us to achieve GSTC Certification. Their guidance has been instrumental in steering our sustainability journey towards success… We are proud to lead the way in Cyprus and inspire others to join us in creating a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry.”

Patrick Dessy, General Manager,

Casale Panayiotis Hotel (Cyprus)

“We are proud and grateful to have received the GSTC certification as the first hotel in Qatar. This recognition reflects our ongoing efforts towards sustainability, which have been made possible by the dedication of our entire team. At Mandarin Oriental, we strive to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our operations, and this certification encourages us to keep improving. We sincerely thank UCSL for their guidance and support throughout this rigorous process.”

Thomas Kinsperger, General Manager,

Mandarin Oriental, Doha (Qatar)

"Sustainability is an ongoing effort, and this certification is an important step for us. Working with UCSL has helped us improve how we operate and communicate our sustainability goals with both our guests and staff. We see this recognition as encouragement to keep doing better, both in providing great experiences for our guests and in taking care of our environment and community."

Alton Hutton, Director of Engineering and Sustainability Champion,

Mandarin Oriental, Doha (Qatar)

“We are incredibly proud to have achieved GSTC certification. At Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, sustainability drives every decision we make. I am truly grateful to my colleagues, our guests, our partners, and stakeholders who share in our ambition to set new standards for sustainability in luxury hospitality. This certification reflects our efforts to provide a refined experience that also respects our planet and supports our community. We are grateful to UCSL for their guidance throughout this process.”

Robert Lowe, General Manager,

Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid (Spain)

“Receiving GSTC certification has been a vital milestone for Eco Guide Café (a marine tour operator based in Miyakojima, Japan), reinforcing our dedication to protecting the local environment and promoting eco-conscious tourism. This certification helps us to attract environmentally aware tourists, strengthens our credibility and assures our clients that they are supporting a business aligned with their values. By adhering to a global sustainability standard, we aim to contribute positively to the island's tourism industry and preserve its beauty for future generations.

From the very beginning, UCSL demonstrated exceptional professionalism and expertise, supporting us with clear communication and step-by-step approach. Their support was instrumental in enhancing our environmental practices and aligning them with global standards for responsible tourism. The assessment process was well-structured, and UCSL’s team thoroughly evaluated our operations, ensuring we met the highest sustainability requirements.

We highly recommend UCSL for any organization seeking GSTC certification. Their professionalism, dedication, and expertise have been invaluable to our company, and we are grateful for the positive impact they have had on our journey toward achieving the highest standards of sustainable tourism in Japan and worldwide.”

Yasushi Izawa, CEO

Eco Guide Café (Miyakojima, Japan)

「GSTC認証を取得することは、エコガイドカフェ（日本・宮古島を拠点とするマリンツアーオペレーター）にとって重要なマイルストーンとなりました。この認証は、私たちの地域環境保護への取り組みとエコツーリズム推進への決意を裏付けるものであり、環境意識の高い旅行者を引き付け、信頼性を高めるとともに、当社がお客様の価値観と一致した事業を展開していることを保証するものです。世界的な持続可能性基準に従うことで、島の観光産業に積極的に貢献し、その美しさを未来の世代のために守ることを目指しています。

UCSLは最初から高い専門性と優れたサポートを示してくださり、明確なコミュニケーションと段階的なアプローチで支援してくださいました。UCSLのサポートは、私たちの環境実践を向上させ、責任ある観光のための国際基準に適合させる上で非常に重要でした。評価プロセスは体系的に進められ、UCSLのチームは当社の運営を徹底的に評価し、最高水準の持続可能性要件を満たしていることを確認してくださいました。

GSTC認証取得を目指す組織には、UCSLを強くお勧めします。その専門性、献身、そして知識は私たちの会社にとって非常に貴重であり、持続可能な観光の最高基準を日本国内外で実現するための私たちの歩みにおいて多大な影響を与えてくださいました。」

CEO 猪澤也寸志

エコガイドカフェ（宮古島、日本）

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.