GSTC Criteria
Tour Operator

Global Sustainable Tourism Council

GSTC Tour Operator 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
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GSTC Criteria
Tour Operator

•
•
•
•

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
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 Tour Operators.
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 is the combined Criteria and the Performance Indicators.
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Tour Operator

GSTC INDUSTRY CRITERIAINDICATORS FOR TOUR OPERATORSSECTION A: Demonstrate effective sustainable management
A1 Sustainability management system
The organization has implemented a longterm sustainability management system thatis suitable to its size and scope, addresses
environmental, social, cultural, economic,
quality, human rights, health, safety, risk andcrisis 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.

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.

c.
d.
e.

a.
b.

An up to date list of all applicable legal requirements is maintained.
Certificates or other documentary evidence show compliance withall applicable legal requirements.
Legal requirements in all countries of operation are understoodand met.

c.

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.

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.

c.
d.

A5 Customer experiencea.

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

b.
c.
d.

A customer feedback system is in place, together with analysis of
the results.
Negative feedback and responses made to this are recorded.
There is evidence of corrective actions taken.
Feedback from customers is provided to tourism businesses and3

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GSTC Criteria
Tour Operator
destinations contracted/visited.
a.

A6 Accurate promotion
Promotional materials and marketing
communications are accurate andtransparent with regard to the organizationand 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.
c.

Indicators for A7 criteria relate to the buildings and infrastructure
owned and operated by the organization or over which they have direct
influence/control.

A7.1 Compliancea.

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

b.
c.

A7.2 Impact and integrity

Images used in promotion are of actual experiences offered andplaces visited by customers.
Marketing about wildlife or cultural events does not promisesightings which cannot be guaranteed.
Sustainability claims are based on records of past performance.

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.), is demonstrated.

a.

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

Site selection, design and access have taken account of visualamenity, landscape, cultural and natural heritage.
Site selection, design and access have taken account of theprotection of 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 andimpact on all wildlife habitats has been minimized and mitigated.
Water courses/catchments/wetlands have not been altered andrun-off is reduced where possible and any residue is captured orchanneled and filtered.
Risk factors (including climate change, natural phenomena, andvisitor safety) have been assessed and addressed.
Impact assessment (including cumulative impacts) has been
undertaken and documented as appropriate.

b.

c.
d.
e.
f.

g.
h.

A7.3 Sustainable practices and materialsa.

Local materials, practices and crafts have been used in buildings
and design where practicable and appropriate.

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GSTC Criteria
Tour Operator…use locally appropriate and sustainable
practices and materials.

b.

Native and endemic plants obtained from sustainable sources havebeen used in landscaping and decoration, avoiding exotic andinvasive 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 beenused in buildings, with appropriate certification where possible.
Waste from construction is sorted and disposed of in anenvironmentally sound manner.

c.
d.
e.

A7.4 Access for alla.

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

b.

Sites, buildings and activities are accessible to persons with physicaldisabilities and other special needs, as appropriate to the nature of
the operation.
Clear and accurate information is provided on the level ofaccessibility.
Accessibility is certified or checked with relevant experts/user
bodies.

c.

A8 Land water and property rights
Acquisition by the organization of land andwater rights and of property is legal,
complies with local communal andindigenous rights, including their free, priorand 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 naturalareas, living cultures, and cultural heritage
sites.

a.

On sites owned and operated by the organization or over which
they have direct influence/control, land ownership and tenurerights are documented.
User and access rights for key resources, including land and water,
are documented where applicable.
There is documentary evidence of communication, consultationand engagement with local and indigenous communities.
Evidence of free, prior and informed consent of local communities
is documented, where relevant (showing no involuntary
resettlement or land acquisition).

b.
c.
d.

a.

Information/interpretation material about the natural and cultural
heritage of areas visited is available and provided to customers.
Staff are informed and trained about the natural and cultural
heritage of the areas visited.
Information is provided to customers about appropriate behaviourin the areas visited.

b.
c.

A10 Destination engagementa.

The organization is involved with sustainable
tourism planning and management in thedestination, where such opportunities exist.

b.

The organization is in contact with the local Destination
Management Organization or equivalent body in those locations
where it is most active.
The organization engages in the planning and management ofsustainable tourism in those destinations where it is most active.

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Tour Operator

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 and social community
development. Examples of initiatives include
education, training, health and sanitationand projects which address the impacts ofclimate change.

The organization supports initiatives with local communities inareas where it is particularly active.
The level and nature of contributions made to schemes in the local
communities is recorded.
In selecting service providers and products/experiences to featurein programmes, the organization favours those that engage withand support local communities.

b.
c.

a.

B2 Local employment
Local residents are given equal opportunities
for employment and advancement, including
in management positions.

The organization seeks to provide employment opportunities for
local residents in its operations and activities.
The organization monitors the level and proportion of employment
it provides for local residents.
Training is offered to local residents to enhance their employment
opportunities.
In selecting service providers and products/experiences to featurein programmes, the organization favours those that that provide
local employment.

b.
c.
d.

a.

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

The organization regularly audits its sources of supply of goods andservices.
In selecting service providers and products/experiences to featurein programmes, the organization favours those that are locallyowned and operated.

b.

a.

B4 Local entrepreneurs
The organization supports local
entrepreneurs in the development and saleof sustainable products and services that are
based on the area’s nature, history andculture.

Where appropriate, the organization provides advice and support
to local service providers with whom it engages, on the quality andsustainability of their service.
Opportunities for joint ventures and partnerships with local
entrepreneurs are considered and pursued where appropriate.

b.

a.

B5 Exploitation and harassment
The organization has implemented a policy
against commercial, sexual or any other formof exploitation or harassment, particularly ofchildren, adolescents, women, minorities andother vulnerable groups.

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 destinations
where it is particularly active, in working against exploitation andharassment.
Records of employee ages are kept and show absence of any formof child labour (as defined by ILO).

b.
c.

d.

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Tour Operator

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

e.
f.

The organization supports action against child sex tourism.
Services providers and premises where there is any evidence ofpossible exploitation are not contracted or visited.

a.

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.
Internal promotion includes members of these groups.

b.
c.

a.

B7 Decent work
Labour rights are respected, a safe andsecure working environment is provided andemployees are paid at least a living wage.
Employees are offered regular training,
experience and opportunities foradvancement.

The organization demonstrates awareness of, and compliance with,international labour standards and regulations.
Wage levels are monitored and regularly reviewed against norms
for a living wage in the countries of employment,
Training records are kept for all staff, showing the level andfrequency 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.

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

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

The organization monitors its impact on the availability of local
services in the main areas of operation/visited.
A communication/feedback/grievance mechanism is in place forcommunities in the main areas of operation/visited.
Any reduction in availability of basic services to local communities,
identified as the result of the organization’s activities, is addressed.

b.
c.

a.

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

Local access to livelihoods is considered in decisions aboutdevelopment and operations.
A communication mechanism is in place for local communities toreport any instance of reduced access to local livelihoods in themain areas of operation/visited.

b.

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Tour Operator

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

C1 Cultural interactions
The organization follows international andnational good practice and locally agreed
guidance for the management and promotionof visits to indigenous communities andculturally or historically sensitive sites in orderto minimize adverse impacts and maximize
local benefits and visitor fulfilment.

b.

c.
d.
e.
f.

g.

a.

C2 Protecting cultural heritage
The organization contributes to theprotection, preservation and enhancement oflocal properties, sites and traditions ofhistorical, archaeological, cultural and spiritualsignificance and does not impede access tothem 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 oflocal communities.

b.
c.

a.
b.
c.
d.

a.

C4 Artefacts
Historical and archaeological artefacts are notsold, traded or displayed, except as permitted
by local and international law.

b.
c.

The organization demonstrates awareness of, and compliancewith, existing international, national and local good practice andguidance for tourist visits to cultural sites and indigenous
communities.
The organization engages with communities/sites in reviewing
guidance and creating and agreeing additional guidelines asnecessary.
Guidelines are effectively used and communicated.
Particular measures are in place to avoid inappropriate
interaction with children.
The organization participates in/supports training and use of local
guides.
Consideration is given to the capacity and fragility of sites andcommunities, and to the levels of pressure on them, in
determining the size, frequency and timing of group visits.
Feedback from local communities and from visitors is encouraged
and acted upon.
The organization makes and records monetary contributions to
the protection of cultural heritage in its main areas ofoperation/visited.
The organization provides in-kind or other support for cultural
heritage in its main areas of operation/visited.
The organization ensures that its activities do not impede local
access to sites.

Sites visited and experiences offered provide an authentic
experience of local culture and heritage.
Living cultural heritage and traditions are evident in cuisine, retail,events and other services offered.
Copyright and intellectual property rights have been observed
and necessary 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 andreported.
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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Tour Operator

Section 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 and consumables.

a.
b.

c.
d.
e.

f.

D1.2 Efficient purchasing
The organization carefully manages thepurchasing of consumable and disposable
goods, including food, in order to minimize
waste.

a.
b.
c.

a.

D1.3 Energy conservation
Energy consumption is measured by type andsteps are taken to minimize overall
consumption. The organization makes efforts
to increase its use of renewable energy.

b.
c.
d.
e.
a.

D1.4 Water conservation
Water risk is assessed, water consumption ismeasured by type, and steps are taken tominimize overall consumption. Water sourcing
is sustainable and does not adversely affectenvironmental flows. In areas of high water
risk, context-based water stewardship goals
are identified and pursued.

b.
c.
d.
e.

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, otherfoods, and products from the wild.
Where certified products are not available, consideration is given
to origin and methods of growing or production.
Threatened species are not used or sold.
Service providers and other operators selected and featured intours have environmental/sustainability certification where
possible.
Where certified businesses are not available, the sustainability
performance of service providers is considered and required
improvements are communicated and implemented.
Purchasing favours reusable, returnable and recycled goods.
Purchasing and use of consumable and disposable goods aremonitored and managed.
Unnecessary packaging (especially from plastic) is avoided, withbuying in bulk as appropriate.

Energy used in the organization’s operations and those overwhich it has direct influence/control is monitored and managed.
Renewable sources are favoured and the share of renewableenergy in total 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 in the main destinations visited has been assessed anddocumented.
In destinations visited where water risk has been assessed as high,water stewardship goals have been determined.
Water used in the organization’s operations and those over which
it has direct influence/control is monitored and managed.
Equipment and practices are used that minimize water
consumption.
Water originates from a legal and sustainable source which has
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Tour Operator
f.
g.
h.

environmental flows.
Consideration is given to cumulative impacts of tourism in thelocality on water sources.
Goals for reducing water consumption are in place.
Staff and guests are given guidance on minimizing water use.

D2 Reducing pollutiona.

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

b.
c.
d.
e.
a.

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

b.
c.
d.
e.

D2.3 Wastewatera.

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

b.

c.

a.

D2.4 Solid waste
Waste, including food waste, is measured,

Total direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions from theorganization’s operations and those over which it has direct
influence/control are monitored and managed.
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.
Actions are taken to encourage suppliers of products and services
to avoid and reduce significant annual emissions.
Carbon offset mechanisms are used where practical.
Where practical and feasible, the cleanest and most resource
efficient transport options are used in the provision of tour
programmes and excursions.
Information is provided and promoted to customers on
alternative (climate friendly) transport options, where available.
Alternative transport options (e.g. bike rental, car sharing, pickups) for guests and staff are provided or facilitated.
Markets accessible by short and more sustainable transport
options are favoured.
Local suppliers are favoured and daily operations seek tominimize transport use.
The organization is aware of wastewater treatment arrangementsin the main destinations visited, and seeks to influence theirimprovement where necessary and practicable.
Wastewater resulting from organization’s operations and thoseover which it has direct influence/control is disposed of to amunicipal or government approved treatment system, if available.
If suitable municipal wastewater treatment is not available, there
is a system in place on site to treat wastewater (that meets
international wastewater quality requirements) and ensures noadverse effects on the local population and the environment.
The organization is aware of waste management arrangements inthe main destinations visited, and seeks to influence theirimprovement where necessary and practicable.

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GSTC Criteria
Tour Operator
mechanisms are in place to reduce waste and,
where reduction is not feasible, to reuse or
recycle it. Any residual waste disposal has noadverse effect on the local population or theenvironment.

b.
c.
d.

e.
f.

a.

D2.5 Harmful substances
The use of harmful substances, including
pesticides, paints, swimming pooldisinfectants, and cleaning materials, isminimized, and substituted when available byinnocuous products or processes. All storage,use, handling, and disposal of chemicals areproperly 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.

A solid waste management plan is in place for the organization’s
operations and those over which it has direct influence/control.
The solid waste management plan includes actions to reduce,
separate and reuse or recycle food waste where applicable.
Waste disposal is to a government run or approved facility andthere is evidence that the facility has no negative impact on theenvironment 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, staff and suppliers of products
and services on minimizing waste.
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 andhandled in accordance with appropriate standards.
Visitors are informed in advance to avoid use of personal
toiletries and other substances which may be considered harmful
to the local environment.
The potential sources of pollution covered in the criterion havebeen reviewed 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 and contributes tobiodiversity conservation, including throughappropriate management of its own property.
Particular attention is paid to naturalprotected areas and areas of high biodiversity
value. Any disturbance of natural ecosystems
is minimized, rehabilitated and there is acompensatory contribution to conservation
management.

b.
c.

d.

e.
f.

The organization demonstrates awareness of natural protectedareas and areas of high biodiversity value in the areas visited.
The organization provides and records monetary support forbiodiversity conservation in its main areas of operation/visited.
The organization provides and records in-kind or other support
for biodiversity conservation in its main areas ofoperation/visited.
Properties owned or operated by the organization and those overwhich it has direct influence/control are actively managed tosupport biodiversity conservation.
The organization is aware of, and mitigates, activity with potential
to disturb wildlife and habitats.
Compensation is made where any disturbance has occurred.

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g.
h.

a.

D3.2 Invasive species
The organization takes measures to avoid theintroduction of invasive species. Native
species are used for landscaping andrestoration wherever feasible, particularly innatural landscapes.

b.
c.
d.
a.

D3.3 Visits to natural sites
The organization follows appropriate
guidelines for the management and promotionof visits to natural sites in order to minimize
adverse impacts and maximize visitor
fulfilment.

b.
c.
d.
e.

f.

a.

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

b.

c.

d.

e.
f.

Action is taken to encourage visitors to support biodiversity
conservation.
The organization engages with local conservation NGOs in its
main areas of operation/visited.
Properties owned or operated by the organization and those overwhich it has direct influence/control are monitored for presenceof 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.
The organization is aware of, and complies with, existing
guidelines for tourist 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 participates in/supports training and use of local
guides in natural sites.
Consideration is given to the capacity and fragility of natural sites,
and to the levels of pressure on them, in determining the size,
frequency and timing of group visits.
Feedback from local communities and from visitors is encouraged
and acted upon.
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 andimplementation of local codes and guidelines for wildlife
interactions, including wildlife viewing, as required, based on
advice of wildlife experts.
The organization ensures that all service providers and sites
visited comply with existing local, national and international
regulations and guidelines concerning wildlife interactions,
including wildlife viewing.
Direct interactions, in particular feeding, should not be permitted,
unless specifically sanctioned by internationally accepted
standards or, where standards are not available, guided byindependent wildlife expert advice.
Measures are taken to minimize disturbance to wildlife.
Impacts on wildlife wellbeing are regularly monitored andaddressed.

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GSTC Criteria
Tour Operatora.

D3.5 Animal welfare
No species of wild animal is acquired, bred orheld captive, except by authorized andsuitably equipped persons and for properly
regulated activities in compliance with local
and international law. Housing, care andhandling of all wild and domestic animals
meets the highest standards of animal
welfare.

b.
c.
d.
e.

f.
g.

D3.6 Wildlife harvesting and trade
Wildlife species are not harvested, consumed,
displayed, sold, or traded, except as part of aregulated activity that ensures that theirutilization is sustainable, and in compliancewith local and international laws.

a.
b.

c.

d.

The organization is aware of, and complies with, relevant laws
and regulations 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
and regulations concerning animal welfare.
The organization ensures that all service providers and sites
visited comply with relevant laws, regulations and guidelines
concerning captive wildlife and animal welfare.
There is regular inspection of conditions of captive wildlife andtheir housing.
There is regular inspection of conditions of domestic animals andtheir housing and handling.
The organization is aware of, and complies with, relevant laws
and regulations concerning wildlife harvesting and trade.
The organization ensures that all service providers and sites
visited comply with relevant laws and regulations concerning
wildlife harvesting and trade.
Visitors and guides are informed of regulations concerning wildlife
harvesting, consumption and trade and of the need to avoid
buying illegal products/souvenirs derived from threatened speciesof wildlife notified by IUCN or CITES.
Where hunting activity is legal, it forms part of a scientifically
based, properly managed and strictly enforced approach toconservation.

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