Southeast Asia
Where Sustainability Protects Culture, Nature, and the Future of Travel
Southeast Asia, a mosaic of ancient cultures, lush ecosystems, and dynamic tourism economies, stands at a crossroads. From the rice terraces of Bali to the heritage cities of Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang, this region offers extraordinary travel experiences – yet it also faces serious environmental and social pressures from mass tourism.
At UCSL, we help tourism providers across Southeast Asia turn these challenges into leadership opportunities. Through GSTC-accredited certification, we work with hotels and tour operators to preserve cultural integrity, support local communities, and protect irreplaceable biodiversity.
At UCSL, we help tourism providers across Southeast Asia turn these challenges into leadership opportunities. Through GSTC-accredited certification, we work with hotels and tour operators to preserve cultural integrity, support local communities, and protect irreplaceable biodiversity.
Why Sustainability Matters in Southeast Asia
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Coastal erosion and coral degradation threaten top island destinations -
Heritage sites risk overcrowding and misuse
Certification under the GSTC framework provides credibility, structure, and global visibility – but also practical local benefits: cost savings, stakeholder trust, and long-term resilience.
Spotlights and Our Local Teams
Thailand is entering a decisive phase in its sustainability journey. As EU regulations and OTA requirements intensify, destinations like Phuket, Samui, Chiang Mai, and Krabi are seeing increased demand for sustainability assurances. GSTC certification is gaining momentum as the new gold standard for Thai hotels that want to remain globally competitive.
National initiatives such as the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports are aligning their strategies with GSTC indicators. Destinations like Sukhothai and Pattaya have undergone destination assessments, setting precedents for others.
National initiatives such as the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports are aligning their strategies with GSTC indicators. Destinations like Sukhothai and Pattaya have undergone destination assessments, setting precedents for others.
Representative and GSTC Auditor in Thailand
Email: thailand@ucsl.eu
Location: Phuket, Thailand
Location: Phuket, Thailand
Our Local Expert
Claudine brings a rare blend of international sustainability experience and grounded regional engagement. She has worked on environmental and social impact projects across Asia and now leads UCSL’s GSTC efforts in Thailand. She brings clarity, rigor, and encouragement to every step of the certification process.
Claudine Nagiah
Representative and GSTC Auditor in Thailand
Email: thailand@ucsl.eu
Location: Phuket, Thailand
Location: Phuket, Thailand
Claudine’s passion for sustainability and her ability to navigate diverse cultural and organizational settings make her invaluable to the UCSL team. Her leadership inspires those around her, while her expertise helps businesses not only reduce their impacts but also maximize the benefits of responsible tourism.
At UCSL, Claudine brings a unique combination of practical experience, vision, and a deep commitment to progress, helping us advance our mission of shaping a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Her work is a testament to the transformative power of sustainability and collaboration, and we’re proud to have her as a driving force in our team.
I believe in the power of sustainable tourism to create real change. I’m excited to join UCSL in Thailand, working with businesses committed to driving meaningful change for people and the planet.”
Claudine Nagiah brings over 20 years of experience in international tourism development, environmental and natural resource management, climate change, and social development to UCSL’s Southeast Asia Team, where she serves as Thailand Representative and GSTC Auditor. With more than a decade dedicated to auditing hotels and tour operators, Claudine combines her technical expertise with practical, hands-on knowledge of sustainable tourism, particularly in community-based and eco-tourism initiatives.
Originally from the UK, she is now based in Phuket, Thailand. Claudine’s career has taken her across Europe, Africa, South America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, where she has collaborated with international development agencies, local governments, NGOs, social enterprises, and private sector organizations. Her work has focused on implementing, verifying, and maintaining high standards in environmental and social sustainability, using these frameworks to improve efficiency and drive long-term development in the hospitality sector.
Originally from the UK, she is now based in Phuket, Thailand. Claudine’s career has taken her across Europe, Africa, South America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, where she has collaborated with international development agencies, local governments, NGOs, social enterprises, and private sector organizations. Her work has focused on implementing, verifying, and maintaining high standards in environmental and social sustainability, using these frameworks to improve efficiency and drive long-term development in the hospitality sector.
Indonesia is one of the region’s fastest-growing sustainability leaders. The Ministry of Tourism has launched a GSTC-recognized National Destination Standard and hosts frequent GSTC trainings with partners like Traveloka, Wise Steps Consulting, and Swisscontact.
Recent highlights include auditor trainings in Bali and courses in Yogyakarta and Jakarta. Trailblazing properties such as The Apurva Kempinski Bali have successfully achieved full GSTC certification, setting the benchmark for others.
Recent highlights include auditor trainings in Bali and courses in Yogyakarta and Jakarta. Trailblazing properties such as The Apurva Kempinski Bali have successfully achieved full GSTC certification, setting the benchmark for others.
GSTC Program Representative in Indonesia
Our Local Team
A sustainability advocate and tourism consultant with decades of hands-on experience across Indonesia. Lelie bridges global certification principles with deep knowledge of local contexts, communities, and market dynamics.
Lelie Liana
GSTC Program Representative in Indonesia
Lelie’s work is centered on creating tangible outcomes for destinations and accommodations, from reducing waste and conserving resources to fostering community engagement and empowerment. Her vision is rooted in a deep respect for Indonesia’s natural and cultural assets, ensuring that tourism uplifts local communities while protecting the environment for future generations.
Throughout her career, Lelie has exemplified leadership by implementing programs that reduce environmental impact, conserve resources, and involve local communities in decision-making processes. Her efforts reflect a belief in tourism as a tool for positive, lasting change – a way to leave behind a legacy of sustainability that resonates with her own story of heritage and hope.
Throughout her career, Lelie has exemplified leadership by implementing programs that reduce environmental impact, conserve resources, and involve local communities in decision-making processes. Her efforts reflect a belief in tourism as a tool for positive, lasting change – a way to leave behind a legacy of sustainability that resonates with her own story of heritage and hope.
Lelie’s dedication, expertise, and vision make her an invaluable part of UCSL’s mission in Southeast Asia. With her guidance, UCSL Indonesia is poised to drive impactful transformation in tourism practices, ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for the region.
I’ve always felt a responsibility to honor where I come from. My parents’ work wasn’t just about weaving; it was about preserving a way of life that respected nature and uplifted people. Now, I see that same responsibility in tourism. GSTC Certification is an opportunity to bolster the Indonesian tourism sector, protect our heritage, empower communities, and create a future where nature and people thrive together. Working with UCSL now allows me to bring my vision full circle and turn it into actionable change.”
Lelie Liana is a passionate advocate for sustainability, combining academic expertise with a heartfelt commitment to preserving Indonesia’s rich natural and cultural heritage. With a Master’s degree in Sustainable Tourism Development from Universitas Gadjah Mada, Lelie specializes in sustainable tourism certification and assessment, aligning global GSTC standards with Indonesia’s regulatory frameworks. Her contributions to the development and implementation of Indonesia’s Sustainable Tourism Destination Standards (Ministerial Regulation No. 14 of 2016) have been instrumental in driving transformative change across the country’s tourism sector.
In a quiet village in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, a young girl grew up surrounded by the beauty of nature and the rhythm of tradition. Her parents wove rattan – an art passed down through generations, imbued with cultural meaning and a deep respect for the environment. At the time, she didn’t fully grasp the significance of their work. To her, it was simply life: the vibrant forests, the weaving patterns, and the stories they carried.
That girl was Lelie Liana, whose journey from her childhood home to the forefront of sustainability is one of transformation, where the threads of her past have woven into a career dedicated to preserving both cultural heritage and the natural world. Starting as an eco-tourism guide, Lelie discovered the power of tourism to drive meaningful change. She saw firsthand how travelers, when guided by sustainable practices, could not only experience the beauty of Indonesia but also contribute to protecting it. This realization became the foundation of her work.
In a quiet village in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, a young girl grew up surrounded by the beauty of nature and the rhythm of tradition. Her parents wove rattan – an art passed down through generations, imbued with cultural meaning and a deep respect for the environment. At the time, she didn’t fully grasp the significance of their work. To her, it was simply life: the vibrant forests, the weaving patterns, and the stories they carried.
That girl was Lelie Liana, whose journey from her childhood home to the forefront of sustainability is one of transformation, where the threads of her past have woven into a career dedicated to preserving both cultural heritage and the natural world. Starting as an eco-tourism guide, Lelie discovered the power of tourism to drive meaningful change. She saw firsthand how travelers, when guided by sustainable practices, could not only experience the beauty of Indonesia but also contribute to protecting it. This realization became the foundation of her work.
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.
For tour companies seeking to differentiate in a crowded marketplace, GSTC certification adds trust and transparency. Whether community-based or luxury-focused, we help operators document and improve their sustainability efforts.
Milestones in GSTC Implementation across Southeast Asia
Watch, Learn, and Get Inspired
- Sustainable Tourism Academy
- #GSTC2024Singapore Recordings Available Online
- #RBHRF2020: Side Event - Rethinking the Restart of Tourism in the Asia-Pacific Region
- GSTC Webinar: Sustainability Lessons from the Asia Pacific Region
- GSTC2019Asia | Elephants in Tourism
- Launch of the Singapore Hotel Sustainability Roadmap
GSTC Criteria in Local Languages
- เกณฑ์ GSTC สำหรับภาคอุตสาหกรรมท่องเที่ยว (พร้อมตัวชี้วัดประสิทธิภาพการปฏิบัตงานสำหรับธุรกิจโรงแรม และที่พัก และความเชื่อมโยงกับ SDGs) -> https://www.gstcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/GSTC-I-Hotel-with-SDGs-Thai.pdf
- เกณฑ์ GSTC สำหรับภาคอุตสาหกรรมท่องเที่ยว (พร้อมตัวชี้วัดประสิทธิภาพการปฏิบัตงานสำหรับธุรกิจนำเที่ยว และความเชื่อมโยงกับ SDGs) -> https://www.gstc.org/wp-content/uploads/GSTC-I-TO-with-SDGs-Thai.pdf
- เกณฑ์ GSTC สำหรับแหล่งท่องเที่ยว (V2.0) -> https://www.gstc.org/wp-content/uploads/GSTC-Criteria-for-Destinations-2.0-Thai.pdf
- Kriteria Industri GSTC (w/Indikator untuk Hotel dan Akomodasi) -> https://www.gstc.org/wp-content/uploads/GSTC-Industry-Criteria-for-Hotels-with-indicators-Dec-2016-Bahasa-Indonesia.pdf
- Kriteria Industri GSTC (w/Indikator untuk Operator Tur) -> https://www.gstc.org/wp-content/uploads/GSTC-Industry-Criteria-for-Tour-Operators-with-indicators-Dec-2016-Bahasa-Indonesia.pdf
- Kriteria Destinasi GSTC Versi 2.0 -> https://www.gstc.org/wp-content/uploads/GSTC-Destination-Criteria-v2.0-Bahasa-Indonesia.pdf
- Kriteria Industri GSTC -> https://www.gstc.org/malay-gstc-industry-criteria/
- Kriteria Industri GSTC (w/Hotel Petunjuk Prestasi) -> https://www.gstc.org/malay-gstc-industry_hotel_indicators/
- Kriteria Industri GSTC (w/Pengusaha Pelancongan Petunjuk Prestasi) -> https://www.gstc.org/malay-gstc-industry_touroperator_indicators/
- Tiêu Chuẩn Du Lịch Bền Vững GSTC -> https://www.gstc.org/wp-content/uploads/Vietnamese-GSTC_Industry_Criteria-Dec2016-Tieng-Viet.pdf
- Tiêu Chuẩn GSTC Chỉ số đánh giá cho khách sạn -> https://www.gstc.org/wp-content/uploads/Vietnamese-GSTC-Hotel_Industry_Criteria_with_hotel_indicators-Dec2016-Tieng-Viet.pdf
- Các Tiêu chí về Điểm đến của GSTC, Phiên bản 2.0 -> https://www.gstc.org/wp-content/uploads/GSTC-Destination-Criteria-v2.0-Vietnamese-Ti%E1%BA%BFng-Vi%E1%BB%87t.pdf
Regional FAQ – Hotels & Tour Operators in Southeast Asia
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 Booking.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
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
Training is not mandatory – but in our experience across Southeast Asia, 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).
Access to our partners – consultants who offer full-cycle implementation support (policies, procedures, data collection, KPIs) — always independent from the certification process to ensure compliance with impartiality requirements.
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).
Access to our partners – consultants who offer full-cycle implementation support (policies, procedures, data collection, KPIs) — always independent from the certification process to ensure compliance with impartiality requirements.
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.
Absolutely. At UCSL, we prioritize accessibility and regional relevance — which includes language.
Here’s how we ensure smooth communication across Southeast Asia:
Here’s how we ensure smooth communication across Southeast Asia:
- We assign local, multilingual auditors.
- All interviews, document checks, and site visits can be conducted in your preferred working language with involvement of an independant translator.
- Our supporting materials and self-assessment checklists are available in local langages upon request.
- We understand that many local hospitality teams are more comfortable in their native languages – and we match your project with a lead auditor who reflects that need.
Yes – and in fact, many of UCSL’s certified clients are not located in major cities. In Southeast Asia, 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 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, such as subsidies offered in partnership with DASTA (Thailand) or Swisscontact (Indonesia).
- Green financing options — e.g., SCB’s Green Hospitality Loan, available to Thai hotels investing in sustainability.
Talk to our team
Ready to Begin?
Get in touch with our team for a pre-assessment or informational call. Whether you operate in Ubud, Uluwatu, Phuket, or Pai – we’re here to walk you through the process with regional empathy and international standards.
