Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Hotel
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GSTC Criteria
Hotel
Serve as basic guidelines for education and training bodies, such as hotel schools and
universities
Demonstrate leadership that inspires others to act
The Criteria indicate what should be done, not how to do it or whether the goal has been
achieved. This role is fulfilled by performance indicators, associated educational materials, and
access 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 circumstances
in 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 community-
owned 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 Hotels.
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 to
accreditation@gstcouncil.org.
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GSTC Criteria
Hotel
A3 Reporting and communication a. Regular reports are made available on sustainability performance.
b. Sustainability policies and actions are reported in external and
The organization communicates its internal communication material.
sustainability policy, actions and c. Communications contain messages inviting consumer and
performance to stakeholders, including stakeholder support.
customers, and seeks to engage their
support.
A5 Customer experience a. A customer feedback system is in place, together with analysis of the
results.
Customer satisfaction, including aspects of b. Negative feedback and responses made to this are recorded.
sustainability, is monitored and corrective c. There is evidence of corrective actions taken.
action taken.
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GSTC Criteria
Hotel
A6 Accurate promotion a. Images used in promotion are of actual experiences offered and
facilities provided.
Promotional materials and marketing b. Sustainability claims are based on records of past performance.
communications are accurate and
transparent with regard to the
organization and its products and services,
including sustainability claims. They do
not promise more than is being delivered.
A7 Buildings and infrastructure Indicators for A7 criteria relate to the buildings and infrastructure
associated with the accommodation being certified
Planning, siting, design, construction,
renovation, operation and demolition of
buildings and infrastructure
A7.1 Compliance a. Awareness of, and compliance with, laws relating to land use and
activities in the local area is demonstrated.
comply with zoning requirements and b. All required licences and permits are up to date.
laws related to protected and sensitive c. Awareness of, and compliance with, non-statutory area management
areas and to heritage considerations. plans and guidance (e.g. for particular zones, design, etc.), is
demonstrated.
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GSTC Criteria
Hotel
A7.3 Sustainable practices and materials a. Local materials, practices and crafts have been used in buildings and
design where practicable and appropriate.
use locally appropriate and sustainable b. Native and endemic plants obtained from sustainable sources have been
practices and materials. used in landscaping and decoration, avoiding exotic and invasive species.
c. Plants have been selected for their ability to tolerate prevailing or
anticipated conditions eg drought tolerant plants
d. Sustainable design, materials and construction practices have been used
in buildings, with appropriate certification where possible.
e. Waste from construction is sorted and disposed of in an environmentally
sound manner.
A7.4 Access for all a. Sites, buildings and activities are accessible to persons with physical
disabilities and other special needs, as appropriate to the nature of the
provide access and information for operation.
persons with special needs, where b. Clear and accurate information is provided on the level of accessibility.
appropriate. c. Accessibility is certified or checked with relevant experts/user bodies.
A8 Land water and property rights a. Land ownership and tenure rights are documented.
b. User and access rights for key resources, including land and water, are
Acquisition by the organization of land documented where applicable.
and water rights and of property is legal, c. There is documentary evidence of communication, consultation and
complies with local communal and engagement with local and indigenous communities.
indigenous rights, including their free, d. Evidence of free, prior and informed consent of local communities is
prior and informed consent, and does documented, where relevant (showing no involuntary resettlement or
not require involuntary resettlement. land acquisition).
A9 Information and interpretation a. Information/interpretation material about the natural and cultural
heritage of the local area is available and provided to customers.
The organization provides information b. Staff are informed and trained about the natural and cultural heritage of
about and interpretation of the natural the local area.
surroundings, local culture, and cultural c. Information is provided to customers about appropriate behaviour in the
heritage, as well as an explanation of local area.
appropriate behaviour while visiting
natural areas, living cultures, and
cultural heritage sites.
A10 Destination engagement a. The organization is a member of the local Destination Management
Organization or equivalent body, where such an organization exists.
The organization is involved with b. The organization participates in partnerships between local
sustainable tourism planning and communities, NGOs and other local bodies where these exist.
management in the destination, where c. The organization participates in planning and management meetings and
such opportunities exist. activities concerning sustainable tourism in the destination.
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GSTC Criteria
Hotel
SECTION B: Maximize social and economic benefits to the local community and
minimize negative impacts
B1 Community support a. The organization engages with the local community in identifying needs
and opportunities for support and evaluating their potential
The organization actively supports benefit/impact.
initiatives for local infrastructure and b. The level and nature of contributions made to schemes in the local
social community development. community is recorded.
Examples of initiatives include c. The local community is offered the opportunity to access the tourism
education, training, health and facilities and services provided.
sanitation and projects which address
the impacts of climate change.
B2 Local employment a. The proportion of total employment from persons already residing in the
local community is measured and managed.
Local residents are given equal b. The proportion of employment in management positions from persons
opportunities for employment and already residing in the local community is measured and managed.
advancement, including in c. Training is offered to local residents to enhance their employment
management positions. opportunities.
B3 Local purchasing a. The organization regularly audits its sources of supply of goods and
services.
When purchasing and offering goods b. The proportion of goods and services purchased from locally owned and
and services, the organization gives operated businesses is measured and managed.
priority to local and fair trade suppliers c. The proportion of non-locally owned or operated suppliers that are fair
whenever these are available and of trade is measured and managed.
sufficient quality.
B4 Local entrepreneurs a. Locally owned businesses are given access to premises and customers for
commercial activity.
The organization supports local b. Where appropriate, the organization provides advice and support to local
entrepreneurs in the development and service providers with whom it engages, on the quality and sustainability
sale of sustainable products and of their service.
services that are based on the areas c. Opportunities for joint ventures and partnerships with local
nature, history and culture. entrepreneurs are considered and pursued where appropriate.
B5 Exploitation and harassment a. The organization has a documented policy against exploitation and
harassment of vulnerable groups.
The organization has implemented a b. Action is taken to communicate and implement the policy.
policy against commercial, sexual or c. The organization engages with the local community in working against
any other form of exploitation or exploitation and harassment.
harassment, particularly of children, d. Records of employee ages are kept and show absence of any form of child
adolescents, women, minorities and labour (as defined by ILO).
other vulnerable groups. e. The organization supports action against child sex tourism.
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GSTC Criteria
Hotel
B6 Equal opportunity a. The organization has identified groups at risk of discrimination, including
women and local minorities.
The organization offers employment b. The proportion of employees drawn from each of these groups is
opportunities, including in monitored and is commensurate with local demographics.
management positions, without c. Internal promotion includes members of these groups.
discrimination by gender, race, religion,
disability or in other ways.
B7 Decent work a. The organization demonstrates awareness of, and compliance with,
international labour standards and regulations.
Labour rights are respected, a safe and b. Wage levels are monitored and regularly reviewed against national norms
secure working environment is for a living wage.
provided and employees are paid at c. Training records are kept for all staff, showing the level and frequency of
least a living wage. Employees are training received.
offered regular training, experience and d. Employee contracts show support for health care and social security.
opportunities for advancement. e. Water, sanitation and hygiene facilities are provided for all onsite
workers.
f. Employee satisfaction is monitored.
g. An employee grievance mechanism is in place.
B8 Community services a. The organization monitors its impact on the availability of local services.
b. A communication/feedback/grievance mechanism is in place for local
The activities of the organization do not communities.
jeopardize the provision of basic c. Any reduction in availability of basic services to local communities,
services, such as food, water, energy, identified as the result of the organizations activities, is addressed.
healthcare or sanitation, to
neighbouring communities.
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GSTC Criteria
Hotel
C2 Protecting cultural heritage a. The organization makes and records monetary contributions to the
protection of cultural heritage.
The organization contributes to the b. The organization provides in-kind or other support for cultural heritage.
protection, preservation and c. Provision is made for local access to sites.
enhancement of local properties, sites
and traditions of historical,
archaeological, cultural and spiritual
significance and does not impede access
to them by local residents.
C3 Presenting culture and heritage a. Local art/craft is reflected in design and furnishings.
b. Living cultural heritage and traditions are evident in cuisine, retail,
The organization values and incorporates events and other services offered.
authentic elements of traditional and c. Copyright and intellectual property rights have been observed and
contemporary local culture in its necessary permissions obtained.
operations, design, decoration, cuisine, or d. The views of the local community have been sought on the
shops, while respecting the intellectual presentation of local cultural heritage.
property rights of local communities.
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GSTC Criteria
Hotel
D1.2 Efficient purchasing a. Purchasing favours reusable, returnable and recycled goods.
b. Purchasing and use of consumable and disposable goods are monitored
The organization carefully manages the and managed.
purchasing of consumable and disposable c. Unnecessary packaging (especially from plastic) is avoided, with buying
goods, including food, in order to in bulk as appropriate.
minimize waste.
D1.4 Water conservation a. Water risk has been assessed and documented.
b. Where water risk has been assessed as high, water stewardship goals
Water risk is assessed, water have been determined.
consumption is measured by type, and c. Water used per tourist/night per source is monitored and managed.
steps are taken to minimize overall d. Equipment and practices are used that minimize water consumption.
consumption. Water sourcing is e. Water originates from a legal and sustainable source which has not
sustainable and does not adversely affect previously affected, and is unlikely in future to affect, environmental
environmental flows. In areas of high flows.
water risk, context-based water f. Consideration is given to cumulative impacts of tourism in the locality
on water sources.
stewardship goals are identified and
g. Goals for reducing water consumption are in place.
pursued.
h. Staff and guests are given guidance on minimizing water use.
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GSTC Criteria
Hotel
D2 Reducing pollution
D2.1 Greenhouse gas emissions a. Total direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions are monitored and
managed.
Significant greenhouse gas emissions b. Carbon Footprint per tourist/night is monitored and managed.
from all sources controlled by the c. Actions are taken to avoid and reduce significant annual emissions
organization are identified, calculated from all sources controlled by the organization.
where possible and procedures d. Carbon offset mechanisms are used where practical.
implemented to avoid or to minimize
them. Offsetting of the organization's
remaining emissions is encouraged.
D2.4 Solid waste a. The amount of solid waste disposed per tourist/night is monitored and
managed.
Waste, including food waste, is b. A solid waste management plan is in place.
measured, mechanisms are in place to c. The solid waste management plan includes actions to reduce, separate
reduce waste and, where reduction is not and reuse or recycle food waste.
feasible, to reuse or recycle it. Any d. Waste disposal is to a government run or approved facility and there is
residual waste disposal has no adverse evidence that the facility has no negative impact on the environment or
effect on the local population or the local population.
environment. e. Solid waste disposed is measured by type and goals are in place to
minimize non-diverted solid waste.
f. Guidance is given to customers and staff on minimizing waste.
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GSTC Criteria
Hotel
D2.5 Harmful substances a. An inventory of harmful substances has been made and material safety
data sheets (MSDS) are held.
The use of harmful substances, including b. Action has been taken to source more environmentally friendly
pesticides, paints, swimming pool alternatives.
disinfectants, and cleaning materials, is c. Chemicals, especially those in bulk amounts, are stored and handled in
minimized, and substituted when accordance with appropriate standards.
available by innocuous products or d. Visitors are informed about personal use of substances which may be
processes. All storage, use, handling, and considered harmful to the local environment (such as toxic sunscreens
disposal of chemicals are properly and repellants).
managed.
D2.6 Minimize pollution a. The potential sources of pollution covered in the criterion have been
reviewed and identified.
The organization implements practices to b. The potential sources of pollution covered in the criterion are
minimize pollution from noise, light, monitored.
runoff, erosion, ozone-depleting c. Action is taken to minimize and where possible eliminate pollution
substances, and air, water and soil from the sources covered in the criterion.
contaminants.
D3.2 Invasive species a. Sites are monitored for presence of any invasive species.
b. Action is taken to ensure invasive species are not introduced or spread.
The organization takes measures to avoid c. A programme is in place to eradicate and control invasive species.
the introduction of invasive species. d. Landscaping of sites is reviewed to consider use of native species.
Native species are used for landscaping
and restoration wherever feasible,
particularly in natural landscapes.
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GSTC Criteria
Hotel
D3.3 Visits to natural sites a. The organization is aware of, and complies with, existing guidelines for
tourist visits to natural sites.
The organization follows appropriate b. Guidelines are used when conducting visits and informing guests.
guidelines for the management and c. The organization engages with local conservation bodies to
promotion of visits to natural sites in establish/identify issues concerning visits to particular sites.
order to minimize adverse impacts and
maximize visitor fulfilment.
D3.4 Wildlife interactions a. The organization is aware of, and complies with, existing local, national
and international regulations and guidelines concerning wildlife
Interactions with free roaming wildlife, interactions, including wildlife viewing.
taking into account cumulative impacts, b. The organization engages with the development and implementation
are non-invasive and responsibly of local codes and guidelines for wildlife interactions, including wildlife
managed to avoid adverse effects on the viewing, as required, based on advice of wildlife experts.
animals concerned and on the viability c. Direct interactions, in particular feeding, should not be permitted, unless
and behaviour of populations in the wild. specifically sanctioned by internationally accepted standards or, where
standards are not available, guided by independent wildlife expert
advice.
d. Measures are taken to minimize disturbance to wildlife.
e. Impacts on wildlife wellbeing are regularly monitored and addressed.
D3.5 Animal welfare a. The organization is aware of, and complies with, relevant laws and
regulations concerning captive wildlife.
No species of wild animal is acquired, b. Existing guidelines for specific tourism activities involving captive
bred or held captive, except by wildlife are implemented.
authorized and suitably equipped persons c. Personnel responsible for captive wildlife have appropriate
and for properly regulated activities in qualifications and experience and are fully licensed.
compliance with local and international d. The organization is aware of, and complies with, relevant laws and
law. Housing, care and handling of all regulations concerning animal welfare.
wild and domestic animals meets the e. There is regular inspection of conditions of captive wildlife and their
housing.
highest standards of animal welfare.
f. There is regular inspection of conditions of domestic animals and their
housing and handling.
D3.6 Wildlife harvesting and trade a. The organization is aware of, and complies with, relevant laws and
regulations concerning wildlife harvesting and trade.
Wildlife species are not harvested, b. Visitors are informed of regulations concerning wildlife harvesting,
consumed, displayed, sold, or traded, consumption and trade and of the need to avoid buying illegal
except as part of a regulated activity that products/souvenirs derived from threatened species of wildlife.notified
ensures that their utilization is by IUCN or CITES.
sustainable, and in compliance with local c. Where hunting activity is legal, it forms part of a scientifically based,
and international laws. properly managed and strictly enforced approach to conservation.
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