Global Sustainable Tourism Council

Overview

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) held its annual Global Sustainable Tourism Conference in Singapore for the first time in 2024. From 13 to 16 November, over 500 delegates from 55 countries gathered at the GSTC-certified Equarius Hotel in Resorts World Sentosa, with hundreds more participating virtually. This diverse gathering brought together key players in the tourism industry — public sector representatives, hoteliers, tour operators, academics, development agencies, NGOs, and consultants — all united by a shared commitment to sustainable tourism.

Formed by a coalition of 32 organisations, the GSTC sets and manages international standards for sustainable travel and tourism called the "GSTC Criteria."  These criteria aim to foster a common language for best practices across different destinations and tourism businesses worldwide.

Choosing Singapore and Sentosa as the host destinations was particularly significant. Both have achieved GSTC-Certified status as sustainable destinations, and Resorts World Sentosa holds the unique distinction of being the world's first destination certified against both GSTC Destination Criteria and GSTC Industry Criteria for Hotels. Singapore's rising prominence in sustainable tourism is also evident in its climb to 7th place in the 2024 Global Destination Sustainability Index, up from 17th the previous year.

Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC, pointed to Singapore as a prime example of sustainable tourism in action: “Singapore has done such a nice job in recent years on sustainability that a lot of people are very motivated to see it firsthand and learn from what the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and everyone in Singapore has been doing.” 

Setting the Stage: The Opening Ceremony

The Conference kicked off with an opening ceremony graced by Mr Alvin Tan, Singapore’s Minister of State for Trade and Industry, and Culture, Community and Youth. In his opening address, Mr Tan stressed the importance of fostering responsible travel practices: “Everyone has a part to play to promote sustainable tourism – and part of why we’re here today is to exchange ideas or collaborate on how to better do so." 

Mr Tan announced two new initiatives, developed with support from STB: the world’s first GSTC Attraction Criteria and the MICE Venue Sustainability Playbook. The GSTC Attraction Criteria  provides the international benchmarks specifically designed to guide attractions in adopting sustainable operations. Meanwhile, the playbook helps event venues implement environmentally responsible practices, drawing insights from Singapore's pioneering carbon baselining exercises for MICE venues. Together, they underscore Singapore's leadership in sustainable tourism and empower the global tourism ecosystem to accelerate their sustainability journeys. 

Caesar Indra, President of Traveloka and GSTC’s Platinum Sponsor, then delivered the keynote address, emphasising the need for collaboration across all stakeholders in sustainable tourism, from governments setting the standards to businesses creating innovative solutions. In a later interview with STB, Mr Indra lauded Singapore’s success in integrating economic growth with sustainability, including its ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. He added, “Singapore’s approach should be a reminder for all of us that it is important and possible to incorporate sustainability into how we make decisions in business and society. Singapore is truly an inspiring place to be in as we discuss the future of travel.” 

Through expert-led panel discussions and interactive workshops, delegates gained valuable insights into best practices and innovative solutions. Session topics ranged from driving sustainable hotel practices and minimising environmental impact to leveraging distribution channels for positive change and exploring business opportunities in sustainable tourism. The programme also emphasised cultural preservation and community engagement, showcasing Singapore's rich heritage and culinary traditions.

Specialised breakout sessions also gave delegates the opportunity to dive deeper into industry-focused topics. For example, a dedicated session on "Innovation in Hotel Sustainability" explored cutting-edge approaches to enhancing operations while minimising environmental impact, featuring insights from Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and Resorts World Sentosa.

The learning experience extended beyond the meeting rooms through carefully curated post-conference tours. Delegates embarked on diverse experiences such as a behind-the-scenes sustainability tour at Resorts World Sentosa, an eco-tour of the Southern Islands, an interactive heritage tour of Sentosa's colonial buildings, and more. These tours enabled delegates to witness successful sustainability and preservation initiatives firsthand, showcasing how theory translates into practice in Singapore's tourism landscape.

“It is a delight to be able to join here in-person in Singapore and be in a room full of thought leadership,” said Iris Lam, Director of Sustainability Global Development for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Reflecting on her first-time experience at a GSTC Conference, Ms Lam shared: “I feel very encouraged, having come here and met so many like-minded professionals who are here to address global issues, share best practices, and engage in the conversations that we all need to really move that needle towards solving problems.” 

Sustainable practices extended to the event production itself. Registration areas featured reusable cardboard furniture, and the event backdrop was fabricated using sustainable materials such as honeycomb cardboard and PVC-free banner prints. In addition, participants who chose to carbon offset their flights received complimentary transportation cards, encouraging the use of Singapore’s public transport system. 

By bringing together diverse perspectives and amplifying collective efforts, the 2024 Conference marked a pivotal step toward a future where tourism goes beyond enriching travellers’ experiences to uplift communities, preserve cultures, and safeguard our planet for generations to come.