GSTC Launches Futures Lab for Sustainable Tourism

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has launched the GSTC Futures Lab for Sustainable Tourism, a new initiative aimed at strengthening the role of research, data, and evidence-based insights in advancing sustainable tourism globally.

Purpose of the Futures Lab
- Strengthens the role of research, data, and evidence-based insights in advancing sustainable tourism.
- Translates academic research into practical, scalable solutions for destinations, tourism businesses, and stakeholders.
- Supports GSTC’s mission of increasing knowledge, adoption, and credibility of sustainable tourism practices.

Core Activities
- Guided by an annual research agenda, with methodologies and findings made publicly available.
- Applies data governance principles and peer-review processes to ensure trust and consistency.
- Produces periodic reports, monitoring publications, and tools showcasing good practices from certified destinations and enterprises.
- Designs and implements surveys targeting members, certification bodies, and certified entities to inform decision-making.

Knowledge Sharing & Engagement
- Hosts academic and collaborative events, including the GSTC Academic Symposium.
- The 4th Symposium will be held in Phuket, Thailand, on April 21, 2026, just before the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference.
- Provides a platform for dialogue among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers across regions and disciplines.

Research Focus Areas
- Impact measurement
- Innovation and scalability
- Contributions to the development and management of GSTC Standards.

Leadership
- Led by Dr. Mihee Kang, GSTC Chief Assurance Officer.
- Supported by a multidisciplinary team of research specialists and administrative staff.
- Designed to respond flexibly to emerging research needs while maintaining academic rigor.

✅ In short, the Futures Lab is GSTC’s new hub for turning research into action, ensuring sustainable tourism evolves with credible data, collaborative dialogue, and global impact.