GSTC Publishes Transition Guidelines for the Hotel and Tour Operator Standards version 4.0

In December 2025, GSTC announced the completion of the revision of its Industry Standard for Hotels and Tour Operators. As part of this revision, the former GSTC Industry Standard version 3.0 has evolved into two distinct standards: the GSTC Hotel Standard version 4.0 and the GSTC Tour Operator Standard version 4.0.

Transition Guidelines Purpose
The guidelines aim to ensure a smooth, consistent, and transparent shift to the new standards. They provide technical and practical instructions for:
- Certification bodies
- Accreditation bodies
- GSTC-Recognized Standard Owners
- Tourism enterprises

Key Elements of the Transition
- Three-year transition period with clear timelines.
- Validity of certifications issued under v3.0.
- Transition audits (during surveillance or recertification).
- Defined responsibilities and expectations for certification and accreditation bodies.

About GSTC Standards
- Serve as the global baseline for sustainable tourism.
- Organized around four pillars:
1. Effective sustainability planning
2. Maximizing social & economic benefits for local communities
3. Enhancing cultural heritage
4. Reducing environmental impacts
- Developed using the ISEAL Code of Good Practice as reference.

Current GSTC Standards
There are now five published standards:
1. Destination Standard
2. Hotel Standard
3. Tour Operator Standard
4. MICE Standard (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions)
5. Attraction Standard

Why It Matters
- Provides a credible baseline for certification programs.
- Helps businesses align with global sustainability expectations.
- Supports market access for sustainable products.
- Guides education, training, and policy development.
- Builds trust with travelers and agencies seeking sustainable options.

This transition is designed to give stakeholders enough time to review, plan, and adjust processes while ensuring credibility and consistency in sustainable tourism certification .