GSTC Criteria
Hotel

Global Sustainable Tourism Council

GSTC Hotel Criteria
VERSION 3, 21 DECEMBER 2016
WITH

Suggested Performance Indicators
Preamble
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Criteria were created to provide a common
understanding throughout the world of “sustainable tourism”, and are the minimum that any
tourism business should aspire to reach. They are organized around four main themes: effective
sustainability planning, maximizing social and economic benefits for the local community,
enhancing cultural heritage, and reducing negative impacts to the environment. They haveapplicability to the entire tourism industry.
The Criteria have been developed and revised while striving to adhere to the Standard-Setting
Code of the ISEAL Alliance, the body recognized to provide guidance on international norms fordeveloping sustainability standards in all sectors. The Criteria are revised every 3 to 5 years.
Plans for revisions plus advance sign-up for public input into future revisions are available on
www.gstcouncil.org. The website also provides information on the process and history of theCriteria development.
Some of the uses of the criteria include the following:• Serve as the basis for certification for sustainability• Serve as basic guidelines for businesses of all sizes to become more sustainable, andhelp businesses choose sustainable tourism programmes that fulfill these global criteria• Provide greater market access in the growing market for sustainable products, serving
as guidance both for travellers and for travel agencies in choosing suppliers andsustainable tourism programmes• Help consumers identify sound sustainable tourism programmes and businesses• Serve as a common denominator for information media to recognize sustainable
tourism providers• Help certification and other voluntary programmes ensure that their standards meet abroadly-accepted baseline• Offer governmental, non-governmental, and private sector programmes a starting point
for developing sustainable tourism requirements
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•
•

Serve as basic guidelines for education and training bodies, such as hotel schools anduniversities
Demonstrate leadership that inspires others to act

The Criteria indicate what should be done, not how to do it or whether the goal has beenachieved. This role is fulfilled by performance indicators, associated educational materials, andaccess to tools for implementation, all of which are an indispensable complement to the GSTC
Criteria.

Criteria Application
It is recommended that all criteria be applied to the greatest extent practical, unless for a
specific situation the criterion is not applicable and this is justified. There may be circumstancesin which a criterion is not applicable to a specific tourism product, given the local regulatory,
environmental, social, economic or cultural conditions. In the case of micro and communityowned tourism businesses which have a small social, economic and environmental footprint, it
is recognized that limited resources may prevent comprehensive application of all criteria.
Further guidance on these criteria may be found from the supporting indicators and glossary,
published by the GSTC.

Performance Indicators
The performance indicators presented here are designed to provide guidance in measuring
compliance with the GSTC Criteria for Hotels.
This draft set of indicators will be updated periodically, as new information is developed. If you
would like to suggest new indicators or other improvements, please send your suggestions toaccreditation@gstcouncil.org.

Combined Indicators and Criteria
This document contains the Criteria and the Performance Indicators.

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GSTC INDUSTRY
CRITERIA

INDICATORS FOR HOTELSSECTION A: Demonstrate effective sustainable management
A1 Sustainability management system
The organization has implemented a longterm sustainability management systemthat is suitable to its size and scope,addresses environmental, social, cultural,
economic, quality, human rights, health,safety, risk and crisis management issues
and drives continuous improvement.
A2 Legal compliance
The organization is in compliance with allapplicable local, national and international
legislation and regulations including,among others, health, safety, labour andenvironmental aspects.
A3 Reporting and communication
The organization communicates its
sustainability policy, actions andperformance to stakeholders, including
customers, and seeks to engage theirsupport.
A4 Staff engagement
Staff are engaged with development andimplementation of the sustainability
management system and receive periodic
guidance and training regarding their roles
and responsibilities in its delivery.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

The Sustainability Management System is clearly documented.
The SM System covers environmental, social, cultural, economic,
quality, human rights, health and safety issues.
The SM System includes consideration of risk and crisis management.
Documentary evidence shows implementation of the SM system.
The SM System includes a process for monitoring continuous
improvement in sustainability performance.

a.
b.

An up to date list of all applicable legal requirements is maintained.
Certificates or other documentary evidence show compliance with allapplicable legal requirements.

a.
b.

Regular reports are made available on sustainability performance.
Sustainability policies and actions are reported in external andinternal communication material.
Communications contain messages inviting consumer andstakeholder support.

c.

a.
b.
c.
d.

A5 Customer experiencea.

Customer satisfaction, including aspects ofsustainability, is monitored and corrective
action taken.

b.
c.

Evidence is available of staff involvement with the SM System.
Records of courses and on-the-job training, with attendance levels,
are available.
Staff training and guidance materials are available in accessible
format (including use of minority languages where needed).
Staff hold certificates and qualifications in relevant disciplines/skills.

A customer feedback system is in place, together with analysis of theresults.
Negative feedback and responses made to this are recorded.
There is evidence of corrective actions taken.

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a.

A6 Accurate promotion
Promotional materials and marketing
communications are accurate andtransparent with regard to theorganization and its products and services,
including sustainability claims. They do
not promise more than is being delivered.
A7 Buildings and infrastructure
Planning, siting, design, construction,
renovation, operation and demolition ofbuildings and infrastructure…

b.

Indicators for A7 criteria relate to the buildings and infrastructureassociated with the accommodation being certified

A7.1 Compliancea.

…comply with zoning requirements andlaws related to protected and sensitive
areas and to heritage considerations.

b.
c.

A7.2 Impact and integritya.

…take account of the capacity andintegrity of the natural and cultural
surroundings.

Images used in promotion are of actual experiences offered andfacilities provided.
Sustainability claims are based on records of past performance.

b.

c.
d.
e.
f.

g.
h.

Awareness of, and compliance with, laws relating to land use andactivities in the local area is demonstrated.
All required licences and permits are up to date.
Awareness of, and compliance with, non-statutory area management
plans and guidance (e.g. for particular zones, design, etc.), isdemonstrated.
Site selection, design and access have taken account of visual amenity,
landscape, cultural and natural heritage.
Site selection, design and access have taken account of the protectionof biologically sensitive areas and the assimilative capacity of
ecosystems.
The integrity of archaeological, cultural heritage, and sacred sites has
been preserved.
The integrity and connectivity of natural sites and protected areas has
been preserved.
Threatened or protected species have not been displaced and impact
on all wildlife habitats has been minimized and mitigated.
Water courses/catchments/wetlands have not been altered and runoff is reduced where possible and any residue is captured or channeled
and filtered.
Risk factors (including climate change, natural phenomena, and visitor
safety) have been assessed and addressed.
Impact assessment (including cumulative impacts) has been
undertaken and documented as appropriate.

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A7.3 Sustainable practices and materialsa.

…use locally appropriate and sustainable
practices and materials.

b.
c.
d.
e.

A7.4 Access for alla.

…provide access and information for
persons with special needs, whereappropriate.

b.
c.

A8 Land water and property rights
Acquisition by the organization of land
and water rights and of property is legal,
complies with local communal andindigenous rights, including their free,prior and informed consent, and does
not require involuntary resettlement.
A9 Information and interpretation
The organization provides information
about and interpretation of the natural
surroundings, local culture, and cultural
heritage, as well as an explanation of
appropriate behaviour while visiting
natural areas, living cultures, andcultural heritage sites.

a.
b.
c.
d.

a.
b.
c.

a.

A10 Destination engagement
The organization is involved withsustainable tourism planning andmanagement in the destination, wheresuch opportunities exist.

b.
c.

Local materials, practices and crafts have been used in buildings anddesign where practicable and appropriate.
Native and endemic plants obtained from sustainable sources have beenused in landscaping and decoration, avoiding exotic and invasive species.
Plants have been selected for their ability to tolerate prevailing or
anticipated conditions eg drought tolerant plants
Sustainable design, materials and construction practices have been usedin buildings, with appropriate certification where possible.
Waste from construction is sorted and disposed of in an environmentallysound manner.
Sites, buildings and activities are accessible to persons with physicaldisabilities and other special needs, as appropriate to the nature of theoperation.
Clear and accurate information is provided on the level of accessibility.
Accessibility is certified or checked with relevant experts/user bodies.
Land ownership and tenure rights are documented.
User and access rights for key resources, including land and water, aredocumented where applicable.
There is documentary evidence of communication, consultation andengagement with local and indigenous communities.
Evidence of free, prior and informed consent of local communities is
documented, where relevant (showing no involuntary resettlement orland acquisition).
Information/interpretation material about the natural and cultural
heritage of the local area is available and provided to customers.
Staff are informed and trained about the natural and cultural heritage ofthe local area.
Information is provided to customers about appropriate behaviour in thelocal area.

The organization is a member of the local Destination Management
Organization or equivalent body, where such an organization exists.
The organization participates in partnerships between local
communities, NGOs and other local bodies where these exist.
The organization participates in planning and management meetings andactivities concerning sustainable tourism in the destination.

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SECTION B: Maximize social and economic benefits to the local community andminimize negative impactsa.

B1 Community support
The organization actively supports
initiatives for local infrastructure andsocial community development.
Examples of initiatives include
education, training, health andsanitation and projects which address
the impacts of climate change.

b.
c.

a.

B2 Local employment
Local residents are given equal
opportunities for employment andadvancement, including inmanagement positions.

b.
c.

a.

B3 Local purchasing
When purchasing and offering goods
and services, the organization gives
priority to local and fair trade suppliers
whenever these are available and of
sufficient quality.

b.
c.

a.

B4 Local entrepreneurs
The organization supports local
entrepreneurs in the development andsale of sustainable products andservices that are based on the area’s
nature, history and culture.

b.

c.

a.

B5 Exploitation and harassment
The organization has implemented apolicy against commercial, sexual or
any other form of exploitation orharassment, particularly of children,
adolescents, women, minorities andother vulnerable groups.

b.
c.
d.
e.

The organization engages with the local community in identifying needs
and opportunities for support and evaluating their potential
benefit/impact.
The level and nature of contributions made to schemes in the local
community is recorded.
The local community is offered the opportunity to access the tourism
facilities and services provided.

The proportion of total employment from persons already residing in thelocal community is measured and managed.
The proportion of employment in management positions from persons
already residing in the local community is measured and managed.
Training is offered to local residents to enhance their employment
opportunities.
The organization regularly audits its sources of supply of goods andservices.
The proportion of goods and services purchased from locally owned andoperated businesses is measured and managed.
The proportion of non-locally owned or operated suppliers that are fairtrade is measured and managed.

Locally owned businesses are given access to premises and customers forcommercial activity.
Where appropriate, the organization provides advice and support to local
service providers with whom it engages, on the quality and sustainabilityof their service.
Opportunities for joint ventures and partnerships with local
entrepreneurs are considered and pursued where appropriate.
The organization has a documented policy against exploitation andharassment of vulnerable groups.
Action is taken to communicate and implement the policy.
The organization engages with the local community in working against
exploitation and harassment.
Records of employee ages are kept and show absence of any form of childlabour (as defined by ILO).
The organization supports action against child sex tourism.

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GSTC Criteria
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a.

B6 Equal opportunity
The organization offers employment
opportunities, including inmanagement positions, without
discrimination by gender, race, religion,
disability or in other ways.

b.
c.

a.

B7 Decent work
Labour rights are respected, a safe andsecure working environment isprovided and employees are paid atleast a living wage. Employees areoffered regular training, experience andopportunities for advancement.

b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

B8 Community services
The activities of the organization do notjeopardize the provision of basic
services, such as food, water, energy,
healthcare or sanitation, toneighbouring communities.

a.
b.
c.

a.

B9 Local livelihoods
The activities of the organization do not
adversely affect local access tolivelihoods, including land and aquatic
resource use, rights-of-way, transportand housing.

b.

The organization has identified groups at risk of discrimination, including
women and local minorities.
The proportion of employees drawn from each of these groups ismonitored and is commensurate with local demographics.
Internal promotion includes members of these groups.

The organization demonstrates awareness of, and compliance with,international labour standards and regulations.
Wage levels are monitored and regularly reviewed against national norms
for a living wage.
Training records are kept for all staff, showing the level and frequency of
training received.
Employee contracts show support for health care and social security.
Water, sanitation and hygiene facilities are provided for all onsite
workers.
Employee satisfaction is monitored.
An employee grievance mechanism is in place.
The organization monitors its impact on the availability of local services.
A communication/feedback/grievance mechanism is in place for local
communities.
Any reduction in availability of basic services to local communities,
identified as the result of the organization’s activities, is addressed.

Local access to livelihoods is considered in decisions about development
and operations.
A communication mechanism is in place for local communities to reportany instance of reduced access to local livelihoods.

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SECTION C: Maximize benefits to cultural heritage and minimize negative
impactsa.

C1 Cultural interactions
The organization follows internationaland national good practice and locallyagreed guidance for the management andpromotion of visits to indigenous
communities and culturally or historicallysensitive sites in order to minimize
adverse impacts and maximize local
benefits and visitor fulfilment.

b.
c.
d.

a.

C2 Protecting cultural heritage
The organization contributes to theprotection, preservation andenhancement of local properties, sites
and traditions of historical,
archaeological, cultural and spiritualsignificance and does not impede accessto them by local residents.
C3 Presenting culture and heritage
The organization values and incorporates
authentic elements of traditional andcontemporary local culture in its
operations, design, decoration, cuisine, or
shops, while respecting the intellectual
property rights of local communities.
C4 Artefacts
Historical and archaeological artefacts are
not sold, traded or displayed, except aspermitted by local and international law.

b.
c.

a.
b.
c.
d.

a.
b.
c.

The organization demonstrates awareness of, and compliance with,existing international, national and local good practice and guidance fortourist visits to cultural sites and indigenous communities.
The organization engages with communities/sites in reviewing
guidance and creating and agreeing additional guidelines as necessary.
Guidelines are effectively used and communicated.
Particular measures are in place to avoid inappropriate interaction withchildren.

The organization makes and records monetary contributions to theprotection of cultural heritage.
The organization provides in-kind or other support for cultural heritage.
Provision is made for local access to sites.

Local art/craft is reflected in design and furnishings.
Living cultural heritage and traditions are evident in cuisine, retail,events and other services offered.
Copyright and intellectual property rights have been observed andnecessary permissions obtained.
The views of the local community have been sought on thepresentation of local cultural heritage.

Any use of artefacts is transparent and/or documented and reported.
Where artefacts are used, laws and bylaws have been identified that
permit such use.
Visitors are prevented from removing or damaging artefacts.

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GSTC Criteria
HotelSection D: Maximize benefits to the environment and minimize negative
impacts
D1 Conserving resources
D1.1 Environmentally preferable
purchasing
Purchasing policies favour
environmentally sustainable suppliers
and products, including capital goods,
food, beverages, building materials andconsumables.
D1.2 Efficient purchasing
The organization carefully manages thepurchasing of consumable and disposable
goods, including food, in order tominimize waste.
D1.3 Energy conservation
Energy consumption is measured by typeand steps are taken to minimize overall
consumption. The organization makes
efforts to increase its use of renewableenergy.

D1.4 Water conservation
Water risk is assessed, water
consumption is measured by type, andsteps are taken to minimize overall
consumption. Water sourcing issustainable and does not adversely affectenvironmental flows. In areas of highwater risk, context-based water
stewardship goals are identified andpursued.

a.
b.

c.
d.

a.
b.
c.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

f.
g.
h.

A documented environmental purchasing policy is in place.
Preference is given to products and suppliers with environmental
certification – notably with respect to wood, paper, fish, other foods,
and products from the wild.
Where certified products and suppliers are not available, consideration
is given to origin and methods of growing or production.
Threatened species are not used or sold.

Purchasing favours reusable, returnable and recycled goods.
Purchasing and use of consumable and disposable goods are monitored
and managed.
Unnecessary packaging (especially from plastic) is avoided, with buying
in bulk as appropriate.

Total energy used is monitored and managed.
Energy used per tourist/night for each type of energy is monitored andmanaged.
Renewable sources are favoured and the share of renewable energy intotal energy supply is monitored and managed.
Equipment and practices are used that minimize energy use.
Goals for reducing energy consumption are in place.
Staff and guests are given guidance on minimizing energy use.
Water risk has been assessed and documented.
Where water risk has been assessed as high, water stewardship goals
have been determined.
Water used per tourist/night per source is monitored and managed.
Equipment and practices are used that minimize water consumption.
Water originates from a legal and sustainable source which has notpreviously affected, and is unlikely in future to affect, environmental
flows.
Consideration is given to cumulative impacts of tourism in the locality
on water sources.
Goals for reducing water consumption are in place.
Staff and guests are given guidance on minimizing water use.

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D2 Reducing pollutiona.

D2.1 Greenhouse gas emissions
Significant greenhouse gas emissions
from all sources controlled by theorganization are identified, calculated
where possible and procedures
implemented to avoid or to minimize
them. Offsetting of the organization's
remaining emissions is encouraged.

b.
c.
d.

a.

D2.2 Transport
The organization seeks to reducetransportation requirements and actively
encourages the use of cleaner and moreresource efficient alternatives bycustomers, employees, suppliers and in
its own operations.

b.
c.
d.

a.

D2.3 Wastewater
Wastewater, including grey water, iseffectively treated and is only reused orreleased safely, with no adverse effects tothe local population or the environment.

b.

a.

D2.4 Solid waste
Waste, including food waste, ismeasured, mechanisms are in place toreduce waste and, where reduction is not
feasible, to reuse or recycle it. Any
residual waste disposal has no adverse
effect on the local population or theenvironment.

b.
c.
d.

e.
f.

Total direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions are monitored andmanaged.
Carbon Footprint per tourist/night is monitored and managed.
Actions are taken to avoid and reduce significant annual emissions
from all sources controlled by the organization.
Carbon offset mechanisms are used where practical.

Information is provided and promoted to customers on alternative(climate friendly) transport options, for arrival, departure and during
their visit.
Alternative transport options (e.g. bike rental, car sharing, pick-ups) forguests and staff are provided or facilitated.
Markets accessible by short and more sustainable transport options arefavoured.
Local suppliers are favoured and daily operations seek to minimize
transport use.
Wastewater is disposed of to a municipal or government approved
treatment system, if available.
If suitable municipal wastewater treatment is not available, there is asystem in place on site to treat wastewater (that meets international
wastewater quality requirements) and ensures no adverse effects on
the local population and the environment.
The amount of solid waste disposed per tourist/night is monitored andmanaged.
A solid waste management plan is in place.
The solid waste management plan includes actions to reduce, separate
and reuse or recycle food waste.
Waste disposal is to a government run or approved facility and there isevidence that the facility has no negative impact on the environment or
local population.
Solid waste disposed is measured by type and goals are in place tominimize non-diverted solid waste.
Guidance is given to customers and staff on minimizing waste.

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a.

D2.5 Harmful substances
The use of harmful substances, including
pesticides, paints, swimming pooldisinfectants, and cleaning materials, isminimized, and substituted whenavailable by innocuous products orprocesses. All storage, use, handling, anddisposal of chemicals are properly
managed.

b.
c.
d.

a.

D2.6 Minimize pollution
The organization implements practices tominimize pollution from noise, light,
runoff, erosion, ozone-depleting
substances, and air, water and soil
contaminants.

b.
c.

An inventory of harmful substances has been made and material safety
data sheets (MSDS) are held.
Action has been taken to source more environmentally friendly
alternatives.
Chemicals, especially those in bulk amounts, are stored and handled inaccordance with appropriate standards.
Visitors are informed about personal use of substances which may beconsidered harmful to the local environment (such as toxic sunscreensand repellants).

The potential sources of pollution covered in the criterion have beenreviewed and identified.
The potential sources of pollution covered in the criterion aremonitored.
Action is taken to minimize and where possible eliminate pollution
from the sources covered in the criterion.

D3 Conserving biodiversity, ecosystems and landscapesa.

D3.1 Biodiversity conservation
The organization supports andcontributes to biodiversity conservation,
including through appropriate
management of its own property.
Particular attention is paid to naturalprotected areas and areas of highbiodiversity value. Any disturbance of
natural ecosystems is minimized,
rehabilitated and there is a compensatory
contribution to conservation
management.
D3.2 Invasive species
The organization takes measures to avoid
the introduction of invasive species.
Native species are used for landscaping
and restoration wherever feasible,
particularly in natural landscapes.

h.

The organization demonstrates awareness of natural protected areas
and areas of high biodiversity value.
The organization provides and records monetary support forbiodiversity conservation in the local area.
The organization provides and records in-kind or other support forbiodiversity conservation in the local area.
The property is actively managed to support biodiversity conservation.
The organization is aware of, and mitigates, activity with potential todisturb wildlife and habitats.
Compensation is made where any disturbance has occurred.
Action is taken to encourage visitors to support biodiversity
conservation.
The organization engages with local conservation NGOs.

a.
b.
c.
d.

Sites are monitored for presence of any invasive species.
Action is taken to ensure invasive species are not introduced or spread.
A programme is in place to eradicate and control invasive species.
Landscaping of sites is reviewed to consider use of native species.

b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

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a.

D3.3 Visits to natural sites
The organization follows appropriate
guidelines for the management andpromotion of visits to natural sites inorder to minimize adverse impacts andmaximize visitor fulfilment.

b.
c.

a.

D3.4 Wildlife interactions
Interactions with free roaming wildlife,
taking into account cumulative impacts,
are non-invasive and responsibly
managed to avoid adverse effects on the
animals concerned and on the viability
and behaviour of populations in the wild.

b.

c.

d.
e.
a.

D3.5 Animal welfare
No species of wild animal is acquired,
bred or held captive, except byauthorized and suitably equipped persons
and for properly regulated activities incompliance with local and internationallaw. Housing, care and handling of all
wild and domestic animals meets thehighest standards of animal welfare.

D3.6 Wildlife harvesting and trade
Wildlife species are not harvested,
consumed, displayed, sold, or traded,
except as part of a regulated activity that
ensures that their utilization issustainable, and in compliance with local
and international laws.

b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

a.
b.

c.

The organization is aware of, and complies with, existing guidelines fortourist visits to natural sites.
Guidelines are used when conducting visits and informing guests.
The organization engages with local conservation bodies toestablish/identify issues concerning visits to particular sites.

The organization is aware of, and complies with, existing local, national
and international regulations and guidelines concerning wildlife
interactions, including wildlife viewing.
The organization engages with the development and implementationof local codes and guidelines for wildlife interactions, including wildlife
viewing, as required, based on advice of wildlife experts.
Direct interactions, in particular feeding, should not be permitted, unlessspecifically sanctioned by internationally accepted standards or, where
standards are not available, guided by independent wildlife expert
advice.
Measures are taken to minimize disturbance to wildlife.
Impacts on wildlife wellbeing are regularly monitored and addressed.
The organization is aware of, and complies with, relevant laws andregulations concerning captive wildlife.
Existing guidelines for specific tourism activities involving captive
wildlife are implemented.
Personnel responsible for captive wildlife have appropriatequalifications and experience and are fully licensed.
The organization is aware of, and complies with, relevant laws andregulations concerning animal welfare.
There is regular inspection of conditions of captive wildlife and theirhousing.
There is regular inspection of conditions of domestic animals and theirhousing and handling.
The organization is aware of, and complies with, relevant laws andregulations concerning wildlife harvesting and trade.
Visitors are informed of regulations concerning wildlife harvesting,consumption and trade and of the need to avoid buying illegal
products/souvenirs derived from threatened species of wildlife.notified
by IUCN or CITES.
Where hunting activity is legal, it forms part of a scientifically based,
properly managed and strictly enforced approach to conservation.

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