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The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has announced that the Sustainable Tourism Destination Standard for Indonesia has achieved ‘GSTC-Recognised’ status - affirming Indonesia’s commitment to promote sustainable tourism products and services.

The Sustainable Tourism Destination Standard for Indonesia was developed to guide the sustainable development of tourism destinations in Indonesia. Recognising the growing demand for travel to its many appealing destinations, the Ministry of Tourism seeks sustainable development at each of them.

GSTC-Recognised means that a sustainable tourism standard has been reviewed by GSTC technical experts and the GSTC Accreditation Panel in order to be deemed equivalent to the GSTC Criteria. Additionally, an organization that meets GSTC requirements must administer the standard. The purpose of the GSTC programs is to recognise and reward genuine practitioners of sustainable tourism, which in turn builds confidence and credibility with consumers.

Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism Arief Yahya explains “the Sustainable Tourism Destination (STD) Standard will promote Indonesia as a hub and an epicentrum for sustainable tourism certification in ASEAN and Asia Pacific.

“The Ministry Of Tourism has already endorsed 20 regions to be designated as pilot projects for the STD Standard and has also endorsed STD Standard implementation in 10 priorities destinations.”

GSTC Chief Executive Randy Durband added “we applaud the vision of Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism Mr Arief Yahya in seeing that the economic health of tourism destinations requires the long-term planning that is inherent in the concepts of sustainable tourism.

“This step in developing actionable standards for sustainable destination development and management, and doing so in a manner that includes global principles plus national interests, reflects that vision.”

To date, 28 standards have achieved GSTC-Recognised status. The completion of these step-wise programs rewards standard owners for their commitment to sustainability while offering the market benefit of proof that these national standards adhere to international norms.

The GSTC will continue to work with organizations around the world to provide GSTC Recognition, Approval & Accreditation of standards for sustainability in travel and tourism. GSTC-Recognised standard owners are encouraged to complete the Approved or Accreditation process in order to showcase excellence in their sustainability frameworks while further distinguishing their standards and processes among other certification programs. Learn more about GSTC Recognition

Images: Dadang Rizki Ratman, Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism Destination and Industry Development Indonesia and Global Sustainable Tourism Council Chief Executive Randy Durband (top) and Bali's Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple (below).

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