GSTC-Accredited. Globally Respected. Built to protect your
brand, bookings, and guest confidence—no fluff, just facts.
brand, bookings, and guest confidence—no fluff, just facts.
GSTC-Accredited Certification
Get the Certification ThatMakes
Travelers and OTAs Trust You Instantly
Travelers and OTAs Trust You Instantly
Invisible on OTA Filters
Non-recognized certifications don't qualify for crucial eco-filters on
major booking platforms. You're being filtered out before guests even
see your property.
major booking platforms. You're being filtered out before guests even
see your property.
Wasted Marketing Dollars
You paid for a sustainability certification that guests don't recognize or
trust. It's an expensive logo that doesn't deliver ROI.
trust. It's an expensive logo that doesn't deliver ROI.
Rising Litigation Risk
FTC Green Guidelines are tightening. Hotels with unverified claims
face increasing legal exposure and costly reputation damage.
face increasing legal exposure and costly reputation damage.
The Harsh Reality:
Visibility on major OTA eco-filters
Greenwashing Isn't Just Bad PR.
It's a Booking Killer.
It's a Booking Killer.
"You just slapped a green label on the site—guests know
better. They're asking specific questions about our
sustainability practices that we can't answer credibly."
Sarah Johnson
Front Desk Manager, Boutique Hotel NYC
Hotels with weak certifications
-48%
The Global Certification That Converts
Sustainability Into Bookings
Sustainability Into Bookings
GSTC-Accredited Certification gives you real audits, guest-trusted proof, and OTA alignment that turns your
eco efforts into marketing firepower.
eco efforts into marketing firepower.
Higher OTA Visibility
Get featured in eco-filters on Booking.com,
Expedia, and other major platforms where
eco-conscious travelers are actively
searching.
Expedia, and other major platforms where
eco-conscious travelers are actively
searching.
"GSTC-recognized certifications are the only
ones that qualify for our sustainability search
filters."
ones that qualify for our sustainability search
filters."
— Major OTA Representative
Guest Trust = Direct Bookings
Convert skeptics into loyal guests with
credible sustainability claims that build trust
and encourage direct bookings.
credible sustainability claims that build trust
and encourage direct bookings.
"73% of US travelers now consider
sustainability when booking
accommodations."
sustainability when booking
accommodations."
— 2023 US Travel Trends Report
Shield Your Brand from Legal
Risk
Risk
Protect against FTC violations and
greenwashing accusations with
independently verified, globally recognized
standards.
greenwashing accusations with
independently verified, globally recognized
standards.
"FTC fines for deceptive environmental
claims have increased 300% since 2020."
claims have increased 300% since 2020."
— US Regulatory Compliance Report
Why Leading US & International Hotels Are
Getting GSTC Certified
Getting GSTC Certified
Join the hotels that are setting the standard for sustainable hospitality
"This isn't just a badge—it's a trust magnet. Since getting GSTC certified, our booking conversion rate
is up 22% year-over-year, and our OTA visibility has dramatically improved."
is up 22% year-over-year, and our OTA visibility has dramatically improved."
Michael Thompson
General Manager
95%
Increase in OTA eco-filter
visibility
visibility
22%
Average boost in direct
bookings
bookings
100%
FTC Green Guidelines
compliant
compliant
4.8/5
Client satisfaction rating
Still Wondering If It's Worth It? Here's What Other US Hotels Ask
We've answered the most common questions about GSTC certification
Our hotels see measurable returns in three key areas:
- Increased bookings: Automatic inclusion in sustainability filters on major OTAs like Booking.com and Expedia
- Higher rates: 64% of travelers are willing to pay more for genuinely sustainable properties
- Brand protection: Full compliance with FTC Green Guidelines, eliminating risk of greenwashing accusations
Absolutely. GSTC certification is 100% aligned with FTC Green Guidelines and exceeds all US regulatory requirements for environmental claims. As a UN-backed global standard, it's the most widely recognized and respected certification worldwide, including throughout the United States.
Many US hotels have certifications that don't deliver real business value. GSTC certification is different because:
- It's the only certification recognized by major OTAs for their eco-filters
- It provides legal protection against greenwashing claims
- It's globally respected, enhancing your reputation with international travelers
- It's backed by the United Nations, giving it unmatched credibility
The full GSTC certification process typically takes 3–6 months, depending on your readiness and internal timelines. To ensure a smooth experience, we begin with a structured pre-certification phase, designed to help you prepare efficiently.
The certification journey includes:
Self-Assessment Checklist
Shared immediately upon signing the contract, this structured tool helps you review your current practices against the GSTC Criteria.
Introductory Call
A one-time online session with a UCSL certification specialist provides an overview of key requirements and milestones.
Online Documentation Review & Gap Analysis
Our team conducts a remote review of your Sustainability Management System across all 42 GSTC criteria. You’ll receive a gap analysis report with observations to help you address any nonconformities before the audit.
Onsite Certification Audit
A 1.5 to 2-day onsite visit by an accredited auditor to verify conformance with the GSTC standard.
The certification process is designed to be practical and achievable, even for busy hotel teams. We in collaboration with partners around the world provide a clear framework and structured tools to support your internal efforts and make the process as straightforward as possible.
You’ll have access to implementation guidance materials, aligned with GSTC requirements.
If needed, we can recommend independent partner organizations who support hotels in preparing for certification — always separate from the audit and in full compliance with impartiality requirements.
Many hotels are pleased to discover they’re already doing much of what the certification requires — you might be closer than you think!
You’ll have access to implementation guidance materials, aligned with GSTC requirements.
If needed, we can recommend independent partner organizations who support hotels in preparing for certification — always separate from the audit and in full compliance with impartiality requirements.
Many hotels are pleased to discover they’re already doing much of what the certification requires — you might be closer than you think!
Let's explore what GSTC certification means for your hotel
Travelers are skeptical. OTAs are adapting. Your reputation is
on the line. Stand out with certification that actually matters.
Every Day Without Real Certification Is Costing You
Trust—and Bookings
Only 4 Advisory Spots Available This Week
booking.com
Your Hotel
USA
GSTC Certified
Verified sustainable practices. Independently certified by the
Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
87% more bookings than non-certified competitors in the same area