The Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s Board of Directors has decided to rebrand GSTC global standards from ‘GSTC Criteria’ to ‘GSTC Standards’. This is a terminological update, not a revision of the standards themselves.

This change enhances clarity and understanding among stakeholders across the tourism industry, while reinforcing the role of the GSTC Standards as the foundation for credible sustainable tourism practices worldwide.

Despite the name change, everything else about the standards remains the same. The change is only in name and not in the content or the approach in development.

The transition will take time, as countless users have been accustomed to the term ‘GSTC Criteria’ since the first release in 2008 of the original GSTC Criteria for Hotels and Tour Operators.

As sustainability continues to shape the future of travel, GSTC and GSTC-Accredited certification bodies remain dedicated to guiding the industry toward greater accountability, transparency, and meaningful action.

Read more on the GSTC website: GSTC Rebrands the Global Sustainable Tourism Standards