The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has released the GSTC Hotel Standard version 4.0, the GSTC Tour Operator Standard version 4.0, as well as the Transition Planning Guidance for both and version 5.0 of the GSTC Accreditation Manual for Certification Bodies – Industry, covering Hotel / Accommodation, Tour Operator, MICE, and Attraction scopes.

GSTC completed the revision of its GSTC Industry Standard version 3.0 in the end of 2025. As a result, the precious single standard, which included two sets of suggested performance indicators for hotels and tour operators, has now evolved into two distinct standards: the GSTC Hotel Standard version 4.0 and the GSTC Tour Operator Standard version 4.0, published on December 30, 2025.

These revised standards introduce an indicator-based structure, enabling a more detailed and consistent approach to assessing sustainability performance.

A three-year transition period has been established, allowing for the gradual adoption of the updated requirements across the industry.

To support a smooth and consistent transition to the revised standards, GSTC has published the Transition Planning Guidance for the GSTC Hotel and Tour Operator Standards. It provides practical and technical guidance for all interested parties, including certification bodies, accreditation bodies, GSTC-Recognized Standard Owners, and tourism enterprises.

Key elements of the transition framework include:

• Defined transition timeline

A three-year period for full alignment with the revised standards.

• Validity of existing certifications

Certifications issued under the previous version remain valid within the transition conditions.

• Progressive transition audits

Implementation may take place during surveillance or recertification audits.

• Roles and responsibilities

Clarification of expectations for GSTC-Accredited Certification Bodies, Accreditation Bodies, GSTC-Recognized Standard Owners, and certified organizations.

This approach ensures continuity in certification while enabling structured alignment with the updated framework.

In parallel, GSTC has released version 5.0 of the GSTC Accreditation Manual for Certification Bodies – Industry, covering Hotel/Accommodation, Tour Operator, MICE, and Attraction scopes.

Key Updates in Version 5.0:

• Expansion of Accreditation Scopes

to include MICE (venues, event organizers, and events/exhibitions) and Attractions

• Shift to Indicator-Based Compliance Verification

Assessments are now required to verify compliance at the indicator level of the GSTC Standards.

• Clarification of Audit Requirements

Updated guidance on audit implementation, including determination of audit duration and execution of surveillance audits for both single-site and multi-site certifications.

• Updated Auditor Competence Requirements

Refinements to auditor qualification criteria, including alignment with the characteristics of the newly introduced scopes.

Version 5.0 has come into effect on March 5, 2026 with a six-month transition period. Detailed transition provisions are outlined in the Transition Requirements on the GSTC Accreditation Manual for Certification Bodies – Industry v5.0.

As of the publication date of this notice, UCSL will conduct all initial audits against the revised GSTC Hotel Standard v4.0 and GSTC Tour Operator Standard v4.0.

For already certified entities, the transition to the revised standards will be implemented progressively, either during surveillance audits or at the time of recertification, with full transition to be completed by 30 December 2028, in line with GSTC transition requirements.

UCSL will ensure that this process is managed as smoothly as possible for all parties involved. Our team will provide detailed guidance and practical instructions to each certified partner in advance of the relevant audit stage.

For any questions, please contact our GSTC Program Manager at a.zavadskaya@ucsl.eu

March 23, 2026