The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) has joined forces with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) in a new partnership aimed at advancing sustainability and resilience in the travel and tourism industry. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), underscores both organizations’ shared commitment to promoting sustainable tourism through joint initiatives, educational outreach, and strategic coordination.
Key Goals of the Partnership
The MOA focuses on driving the adoption of sustainable tourism practices by facilitating collaborative activities such as information exchange, webinars, events, and training sessions. These efforts are designed to raise awareness about sustainable tourism, helping stakeholders integrate best practices into their operations.
One of the primary objectives of the agreement is to support ITA’s National Travel and Tourism Strategy, specifically its fourth pillar, which emphasizes sustainability and resilience in the tourism sector. By aligning with this framework, the partnership aims to enhance the tourism industry’s capacity to contribute to both economic growth and environmental preservation.
The partnership also seeks to foster international trade, increase awareness of the economic benefits of trade, and provide U.S. businesses with access to government resources. By doing so, it encourages U.S. businesses to adopt sustainable practices, explore export opportunities, and support foreign investors interested in entering U.S. markets.
Promoting Sustainability in the U.S. Tourism Sector
As a global leader in sustainable tourism standards, GSTC will play a pivotal role in advancing sustainability across the U.S. tourism industry. By promoting the GSTC Criteria, which serve as benchmarks for sustainability in tourism, the partnership aims to guide destinations, hotels, tour operators, and attractions toward adopting policies that balance economic development with the conservation of cultural and natural resources.
The GSTC Criteria include:
- Destination Criteria: Aimed at policymakers and destination managers.
- Industry Criteria: Designed for hotels, tour operators, and tourism businesses.
- MICE Criteria: For venues, event organizers, and exhibitions.
- Attraction Criteria: Targeting tourist attractions such as museums, national parks, and theme parks.
Through its accreditation system, GSTC ensures that certification bodies uphold global sustainability standards, providing assurance that certified organizations meet rigorous criteria. While GSTC does not directly certify businesses, it validates the credibility of those that do.
This collaboration between ITA and GSTC marks a significant step toward ensuring that sustainability becomes a central focus in the growth of the global tourism industry. By aligning efforts and sharing expertise, both organizations aim to create a more sustainable, resilient, and economically beneficial tourism sector for the U.S. and beyond.