Through this partnership, both organizations will offer each other’s training programs at preferred rates, making them more accessible to professionals in the cruise sector. The initiative aims to improve the quality of shore excursions, enhance the guest experience, and foster sustainable growth in popular cruise destinations.
Beth Hatt, Founder of Aquila, expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting, “We’re thrilled to work with GSTC to bring global sustainability principles into practical applications for shore excursion operators. Our team understands these challenges firsthand – we’re operators too, not just trainers. This makes the partnership a natural fit.”
The collaboration is rooted in a shared commitment to responsible tourism. It builds upon Aquila’s development of the Excellence in Sustainable Destination Experiences program, launched in 2024, which aligns with the GSTC Framework. This training program, designed specifically for cruise operators, provides practical, real-world tools to improve the sustainability and quality of shore experiences – a critical need in the industry, often overlooked by stakeholders on the ground.
Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC, emphasized the value of the partnership, saying, “Our partnership with Aquila connects GSTC Standards with the practical realities of cruise tourism. Together, we aim to empower operators and guides with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to deliver sustainable experiences that benefit destinations, communities, and guests alike.”
Moving forward, both organizations will work together to gather participant feedback and explore opportunities for co-branded training initiatives to support continuous improvements across the tourism value chain. This collaboration is expected to significantly advance sustainability in cruise tourism, helping to shape a more responsible and resilient industry.
Tags: Randy Durband, GSTC, Beth Hatt, Aquila
