GSTC Tourism Program Leaflet

Tourism

    About the industry

    Tourism

    The travel and tourism sector is recovering strongly after the pandemic. It is expected that it will not take long before previous records- will be reached again. At the same time, there is also a strong call in the sector to build back better.

    Tourism needs to be managed responsibly to create a positive cycle of impacts on local communities, culture, environment and economies. This requires responsibility and actions from tourism businesses and other stakeholders and provide plenty challenges and opportunities in the sector.

    Sustainable Tourism Certification

    Sustainable tourism certifications are designed to voluntarily assess and monitor the environmental and social impacts of tourism organizations or destinations that facilitate tourism activities. Independent competent verification of the sustainability performance of tourism business can be done by accredited certification bodies.

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    On site audits to make sure the business is compliant with sustainability criteria

    Different sustainability criteria

    To the consumer, these labels indicate that a baseline of generally accepted requirements for sustainable tourism is met and that the company is committed to a sustainable approach to the environment and the local community in a particular destination.

    • Social policy (i.e. human rights, fair labour, and child protection)

    • Environmental impact (i.e. CO2 emissions, water, waste, biodiversity, animal welfare)

    • Supply chain and procurement

    • Business partners

    • And more

    How you benefit

    Control Union & GSTC certification

    GSTC is the global standard or norm for sustainable tourism and is comparable to other frameworks like MSC or FSC. In addition, GSTC Certification is a third party audit of a tourism business to the GSTC standard.

    Control Union is a GSTC accredited Certification Body. GSTC Accreditation plays an important role to assure impartiality, quality, competence and credibility of the process and the certification itself.

    More information about the GSTC certification

    We can offer certification against GSTC Industry standards for Hotels, & Tour Operators and Excursions & In addition, we can offer many other certification and validation programmes that hotels and tour operators might be interested in.

    We can offer many other certifications and validation programmes. For example, in food safety, ISO norms, social compliance, carbon calculation. For more information, go to the other pages of our scroll down menu on this page.

    Our sustainable tourism certification standard

    Green Choice Certification

    We created the Green Choice certification in 2013 as a sustainable tourism standard that is based on policies already established around the world and adapted to local conditions.

    It’s main objective is to promote sustainable tourism and create greater environmental awareness and increase the preservation of biodiversity.  It is recognised by Travalyst as a sustainability certification compliant with its criteria.

    Our certification services

    Control Union delivers quality inspections for asset owners globally, with local knowledge for uniform and consistent services. Efficient planning and clear reporting are key.

    Administrative checks

    Administrative checks

    Transaction certificates, invoice declarations, incoming and outgoing goods, mass balance, segregation, supplier assessments and internal assessments, all require administrative checks.
    Ballast water systems

    Ballast water systems

    Control Union Certifications is a US Coast Guard-accepted Independent Laboratory (IL) for testing of BWMS in accordance with 46 CFR 162.060.
    Due diligence

    Due diligence

    Several governments have implemented regulations, forcing importers to have a Due Diligence System (DDS) in place. Control Union Certifications has the knowledge and network to support companies with the implementation.
    FSMA readiness

    FSMA readiness

    Control Union can assist your business in achieving and maintaining regulatory compliance with the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
    Reporting, tracking and tracing

    Reporting, tracking and tracing

    Control Union Certifications registers all relevant data during a certification process, including the name of employee involved as well as the process behind any decision that was made.
    Sampling and sealing

    Sampling and sealing

    Control Union can take samples and securely seal them in such a way that they cannot become contaminated with other substances that could influence the results of any laboratory analysis.
    Supply auditing

    Supply auditing

    Control Union Certifications has a large network of auditors around the world, who are familiar with the production/processing requirements in the country of origin.
    Training and development

    Training and development

    Control Union Academy offers training, webinars, offline and online sessions to support you in your certification updates. Stay informed and up to date.
    Seth Wang Zhi Yu

    How can I help you?

    Are you looking for a certain service, do you have any questions or do you want to apply for the certification program? Let me know. My name is Seth Wang and I’m glad to be of help.

    Contact us now!