European Commission unveils new strategy to strengthen sustainable tourism

 

The European Commission has presented today a new EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy to strengthen Europe’s position as the world’s leading tourism destination. The initiative aims to improve the sector’s competitiveness, sustainability and resilience. Furthermore, it will help businesses grow, strengthen workforce skills and improve travellers’ experiences.

Relais & Châteaux launches MyImpact sustainability platform

 

PARIS – Relais & Châteaux, the global association of 580 independent hotels and restaurants, has launched MyImpact. The digital platform helps members turn sustainability commitments into measurable action. Initially, it focuses on carbon footprint assessments.

Aquila Tours receives Level 4 sustainability recognition

 

NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA – Aquila Tours, a division of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, has achieved Level 4 recognition through GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism Pathway following an independent assessment of its sustainability practices.

The Aquila Tours sustainability recognition was awarded after the company’s operations were evaluated against internationally recognised criteria covering its environmental, social, cultural and management practices.

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) publishes new GSTC Food and Beverage Standard

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) is pleased to announce the publication of the new GSTC Food and Beverage Standard. The new Standard is intended to support food and beverage service providers in the tourism sector by offering a framework for more sustainable practices in an area that plays a key role in the overall tourism experience.

GLOBAL HOTEL ALLIANCE ADDS CITY UNSCRIPTED PARTNERSHIP ENHANCING GHA DISCOVERY BENEFITS

 

Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, has expanded the portfolio of Local Offers and Experiences available through its GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme, in line with its Live Local concept, with a City Unscripted partnership.

WTTC strengthens Hotel Sustainability Basics with independent certification

 

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced that its Hotel Sustainability Basics programme will transition to an independent third-party certification scheme, aligned with new European Union requirements for environmental claims and designed to meet the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Accreditation Framework.

WTTC Elevates Hotel Sustainability Basics to Independent Global Certification Scheme

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)  announced that its Hotel Sustainability Basics programme will transition to an independent third-party certification scheme, aligned with new European Union requirements for environmental claims and designed to meet the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Accreditation Framework.

GDS-Index introduces systems mapping for destination sustainability

 

University of Exeter research is being used to strengthen the GDS-Index, the annual sustainability benchmarking programme focused on tourism and events destinations.

Ensemble expands sustainability strategy with over 80% certified hotels

 

LONG BEACH, CALIF. – Ensemble Hospitality has announced continued progress in its multi-year sustainability strategy, with more than 80% of its hotel portfolio now certified under the Green Key Global programme.

How New Eco-Tourism Policy is Formalizing Sustainable Growth and Community Empowerment Across Goa, India

 

In a significant move toward diversifying the  travel landscape of India’s premier coastal destination, the new eco-tourism policy is being implemented to provide a substantial boost to the local economy and environmental conservation efforts.

Sukhothai Historic Sites Awarded Prestigious Global Recognition for Sustainable Tourism Excellence in Thailand

 

The Sukhothai Old City and Thachai-Si Satchanalai areas have recently been honored with significant international accolades, marking a major milestone for sustainable tourism in the region.

GSTC completes revision of industry standard, introducing separate frameworks for hotels and TOs

 

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has announced the successful completion of the revision process for version 3 of its Industry Standard for Hotels and Tour Operators, marking a significant update in the global sustainability framework for tourism businesses.

Green Pearls expands its international network and strengthens digital visibility amid AI-driven search shifts

Green Pearls has reported a year of expansion and strategic repositioning in 2025, as the platform and communications agency for sustainable tourism responded to major changes in digital visibility and search behaviour.

Machu Picchu Reinforces its Global Reputation as a Sustainable Tourism Leader with Third-Year Carbon Neutral Certification and a 7.26% Decrease in Visitor Carbon Emissions

 

Machu Picchu continues to set the global standard for sustainable tourism as it proudly renews its Carbon Neutral Certification for the third consecutive year. This remarkable achievement underscores the iconic Peruvian destination’s unwavering commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

Valpas joins the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

 

HELSINKI – Valpas, the company behind the certified bed bug-safe and pesticide-free hotel standard, has joined the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, strengthening collective efforts to accelerate responsible and safe hospitality practices worldwide.

Global hospitality industry launches consultation on sustainability accounting standards

 

The Energy & Environment Alliance (EEA) has announced the launch of a global consultation to establish the first financially material sustainability accounting standards for the hotels and lodging sector. The initiative marks a major step toward integrating sustainability reporting into the financial decision-making framework of the global hospitality industry.

Turkey leads the world with over 2,000 GSTC-certified hotels under national sustainability program

 

NEW YORK – Turkey has officially become the world leader in the number of Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)-certified hotels, surpassing 2,000 properties under its National Sustainable Tourism Program. This milestone follows a strategic agreement signed in 2022 between Turkey and the GSTC, positioning the country at the forefront of sustainable hospitality practices.

The Future Of Travel Is Here: Chimu Achieves B Corporation Certification

 

Chimu Adventures, responsible for specialized travel experiences, has achieved its first major layer of recognition as a B Corporation. Having B Corporation status indicates that a company has good ethical practices related to social and environmental issues. It also means that the company practices accountability and transparency regarding its operations.

Caribbean Tourism Organization to showcase sustainable tourism leadership at CARIFESTA XV

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will spotlight its leadership in sustainable tourism at CARIFESTA XV, the Caribbean Festival of the Arts, scheduled for August 22–31, 2025, in Barbados.

How the TUI Field to Fork Tanzania Initiative Is Shaping a Better Future for Rural Women by Combating Poverty and Climate Change Through Agriculture and Tourism in Regions Like Simiyu and Kilimanjaro: You Need To Know

 

The TUI Field to Fork Tanzania Project is building a better future for rural women by relieving poverty and mitigating climate change through sustainable farming and tourism.