Professionals and practitioners in the attraction sector have been invited to share insights during the first public consultation phase of the GSTC Attraction Criteria that will remain open until March 15, 2024.
The GSTC Attraction Criteria includes four sections: Section A (Demonstrate effective sustainable management); Section B (Maximise social and economic benefits to the local community and minimise negative impacts); Section C (Maximise benefits to cultural heritage and minimise negative impacts) and Section D (Maximise benefits to the environment and minimise negative impacts).
Those involved in the development and promotion of attractions including theme parks, museums, attractions, national parks, tour operators, travel agents, hotel owners, event planners, policymakers, academics, non-profits, community members, or even individual travellers, are encouraged to participate.
After the first public consultation period is over, a compiling and revision will be made which will be reviewed during the feasibility assessment followed by drafting revisions as needed.
Participants at the GSTC2024 Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, from April 23-26, will have the opportunity to participate in an in-person consultation workshop about the GSTC Attraction Criteria.
The current Attraction Criteria Development Advisory Group includes the following organizations: Singapore Tourism Board, Association of Singapore Attractions (ASA), The Global Association for the Attractions Industry (Iaapa), South African Tourism Services Association (Satsa), The Royal Djurgården Society, and U.S. National Park Service.
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) announced in April 2023 the development of new criteria sets, GSTC MICE Criteria and GSTC Attraction Criteria, with support from the Singapore Tourism Board STB.
The GSTC MICE Criteria (covering venues, event organisers, and events/exhibitions) and GSTC Attraction Criteria aim to serve as the global sustainability standards for these respective industries. – TradeArabia News Service