With several case studies from the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP), this webinar showcases best practices and lessons learned on sustainable tourism destination development, management and marketing. Learn how some of the world's leading sustainable destinations are implementing concrete steps to improve sustainability performance and to achieve tangible benefits for the tourism industry. Learn more about the STTP: http://www.gstcouncil.org/en/sustainable-tourism-training.html Join the next online course: http://bit.ly/sttp-2017q4

1. www.gstcouncil.org
Leading Sustainable Tourism
Destinations: STTP Case Studies
Dr. Ioannis Pappas Ayako Ezaki
GSTC Trainer / Co-Founder and
CEO, Green Evolution SA
Training Director, GSTC Sustainable
Tourism Training Program (STTP)

2. www.gstcouncil.org
1. Introduction: About the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program
2. Overview: What and where are sustainable destinations?
3. Examples: Sustainable destination examples from Greece, Slovenia,
Ecuador, Brazil, Norway and more.
4. Q&A
OUTLINE

3. Introduction Overview Examples Q&A
• Online and face-to-face training
classes throughout the year.
• Expert trainers and training
partners in over 20 countries.
• GSTC Certificate in Sustainable
Tourism.
Upcoming online courses:
• 2017Q3: June 19 – July 14 (SOLD OUT)
• 2017Q4: Oct 30 – Nov 24 (EARLY-BIRD)
http://www.gstcouncil.org/en/sustainable-tourism-training/upcoming.html

4. Introduction Overview Examples Q&A
What is a sustainable
destination?

5. Sustainability
Management
Social &
Economic
Culture &
Heritage
Environmental
Industry Criteria for Hotels and Tour Operators
(2008, revised 2012, 2017)
Introduction Overview Examples Q&A
GSTC CRITRIA
Criteria for Destinations (Nov 2013)

6. Introduction Overview Examples Q&A
How can a destination use
the GSTC Criteria?
1) Guidance for policy makers.
2) Tool for measuring and monitoring progress.
3) Tool for educating tourism industry stakeholders.
4) All of the above (and more)!

7. Introduction Overview Examples Q&A
Where to find sustainable
destination examples…

8. Norwegian
Fjords
Okavango Delta,
Botswana
Teton County,
Wyoming, USA
St. Kitts & Nevis Lake District, Chile
GSTC Destination Criteria: Early Adopters
Introduction Overview Examples Q&A

9. http://www.gstcouncil.org/en/gstc-impacts/gstc-destinations/gstc-certified-destinations.html
Certified Destinations
Certified By:
Introduction Overview Examples Q&A

10. GSTC-Approved Certifying Bodies
For Destinations
For Hotels and Tour Operators
Introduction Overview Examples Q&A

11. http://greendestinations.info/top100-2016/ https://ethicaltraveler.org/galleries/in-pictures-ethical-destinations-2016/
Introduction Overview Examples Q&A
Sustainable Destination Examples

12. Introduction Overview Examples Q&A
Dr. Ioannis Pappas
GSTC Trainer / Greece Country Representative
Co-Founder and CEO, Green Evolution SA
Sustainable Destination Examples
from South and Central Europe

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Case of
Slovenia
Green

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60% površine prekriva gozd. 36%
površine je vključene v omrežje
Natura 2000. 4 x več vode na
prebivalca kot EU povprečje.
ZGODBA O LOVENSKI ZELENI je
vpeta v
znamko I FEEL SLOVENIA.
DEVELOPING GREEN
TOURISM FOR GREEN
SLOVENIA.
Strategic Orientation
1. Slovenia is green.
2. Slovenia goes green.
3. Slovenia promotes green.
KEY COMPETITIVE
ADVANTAGE OF SLOVENIA
REPOSITIONING
SLOVENIAN TOURISM

15. Introduction Overview Examples Q&A
GREEN SCHEME OF SLOVENIAN
TOURISM (GSST) – SLOVENIA GREEN
Slovenia Green is a structured national programme for
development of sustainable tourism on all levels.
Slovenia Green is a label and certification programme for
destinations and providers.
Slovenia Green provides positioning on global market,
motivates destionations to continous monitoring and
improvement, benchmark, promotion.

16. Introduction Overview Examples Q&A
NATURE
CULTURAL
HERITAGE
GASTRONOMY
GREEN
PRODUCTS
GREEN
INNOVATION
S

17. Introduction Overview Examples Q&A

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CRETE, GREECE

19. Introduction Overview Examples Q&A
HISTORY GASTRONOMY BIODIVERSITY

20. Introduction Overview Examples Q&A

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112 BLUE FLAGS
FOR 2017!!

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h)ps://www.incrediblecrete.gr

26. Norway Sustainable
Destination Certification
Introduction Overview Examples Q&A
https://www.visitnorway.com/about/sustainability/
Innovation Norway works with local and regional
DMOs to implement a destination certification
program that helps strengthen local competence
and encourage public-private partnerships.
44 criteria and 108 indicators
A: Political commitment
B: Industry commitment
C: Environment, nature and culture
D: Social values and viability
E: Economic viability

27. The destination has a system to promote sustainability standards for enterprises
consistent with the GSTC Criteria. The destination makes publicly available a list of
sustainability certified or verified enterprises.
GTSC DESTINATIONS A11. Sustainability Standards
Introduction Overview Examples Q&A
GSTC Destination Criteria in Action…

28. Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
One of Brazil’s top ecotourism destinations, Bonito, MS
implements an effective carrying capacity strategy
through a unique voucher system. Local attractions must
be accredited by undergoing environmental impact
studies to determine appropriate carrying capacities, and
only accredited sites can be part of the voucher system.
To book a trip to these attractions, visitors must
purchase a voucher locally from an accredited travel
agents, which ensures the carrying capacity limits are
strictly followed.
Introduction Overview Examples Q&A

29. The livelihood of Bonito's tourism
relies on maintaining our clear waters.”
- Clayton Castilho Gomes, Diretor de Turismo na Prefeitura Municipal de Bonito/MS
“

30. Introduction Overview Examples Q&A
GSTC Destination Criteria in Action…
GSTC-DESTINATIONS C2. Visitor Management
The destination has a visitor management system for attraction sites that
includes measures to preserve, protect, and enhance natural and cultural assets.
The destination has an effective organization, department, group, or committee
responsible for a coordinated approach to sustainable tourism, with involvement by the
private sector and public sector. This group is suited to the size and scale of the
destination, and has defined responsibilities, oversight, and implementation capability for
the management of environmental, economic, social, and cultural issues. This group’s
activities are appropriately funded.
GSTC-DESTINATIONS A2. Tourism Management Organization

31. The organization is involved with sustainable tourism planning and
management in the destination, where such opportunities exist.
GSTC-INDUSTRY A10. Destination Engagement
Introduction Overview Examples Q&A
Relevant to Destination Management Organizations…
ü Support and work closely with the local Destination Management Organization.
ü Seek partnership opportunities with local community organizations and NGOs.
ü Participate in activities concerning sustainable tourism in the destination.

32. Bonito Eco-Experience on the Go
Introduction Overview Examples Q&A
© Bonito Convention & Visitors Bureau
© Bonito Convention & Visitors Bureau

33. Also a Good Example of…
Introduction Overview Examples Q&A
Promotion is accurate with regard to the destination and its products, services, and
sustainability claims. The promotional messages treat local communities and tourists
authentically and respectfully.
GSTC-DESTINATION A14. Promotion
ü Reflect the destination’s unique sense of place.
ü Be creative & don’t just rely on “sustainability”.
ü Be honest.

34. Ecuador: Slow, Local, and Authentic Food Experiences
Introduction Overview Examples Q&A
Finding uniqueness in its diverse culinary traditions, Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism has developed:
• Culinary tourism programs supporting sustainable economic development (e.g. local markets,
agritourism experiences in rural areas, culinary routes promoting local products and traditional
recipes).
• Initiatives to preserve nutritional integrity and agricultural diversity (e.g. networks that safeguard
seeds, campaigns for responsible consumption and food sovereignty).
• Projects focused on preserving cultural diversity and traditional knowledge through the promotion
of the culinary heritage of indigenous communities.

35. The destination has a system that supports local and small- and medium-sized
enterprises, and promotes and develops local sustainable products and fair trade
principles that are based on the area’s nature and culture. These may include food
and beverages, crafts, performance arts, agricultural products, etc.
GSTC-DESTINATIONS B9. Supporting Local Entrepreneurs and Fair Trade
Introduction Overview Examples Q&A
GSTC Destination Criteria in Action…

36. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS?
Introduction Overview Examples Q&A
GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP)
Web: http://www.gstcouncil.org/en/sustainable-tourism-training.html
Social: #GSTCtraining
Email: training@gstcouncil.org