Tour operators merge with sustainable council
Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and Tour Operators’ Initiative (TOI) Join Forces
GSTC Merger creates global champion in sustainable travel and tourism
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and the Tour Operators’ Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Development (TOI) announce their merger, as approved by the boards of directors of each organization.
"While retaining our vital DNA as a neutral and independent arbiter of standards for sustainability in travel and tourism, which is well established in our bylaws and organizational structure, the GSTC from our inception has welcomed the participation of all subsectors within travel and tourism," said Randy Durband, GSTC’s CEO. "Tour operators uniquely touch all facets of the tourism value chain and therefore can play a vital role in the enhancement of sustainability throughout it."
"This is a major step forward that reinforces the partnership between players from all horizons who all share a vision that travel and tourism is a powerful weapon to fight poverty, while working at preserving the environment and conserving heritage and culture," said Michel Lemay, Chairman of TOI.
GSTC Chair of the Board Luigi Cabrini states: "With the GSTC as the global leader in setting standards for sustainability in travel and tourism, and TOI’s focus on the tour operator value chain and synchronization with destinations, the combination of both organizations and their respective strengths will produce a true global champion in sustainable tourism. The mission will remain to develop, promote, and encourage the implementation of credible standards and best practices so that travel and tourism remains the major economic engine it already is, all over the world, in harmony with communities and the environment."
The organization will maintain the name Global Sustainable Tourism Council and will continue the legacy of TOI through its working groups and its Destination Program, among other means. UNWTO and UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) will retain permanent seats on the board of the GSTC, with current members of TOI becoming members of the GSTC. This list includes TUI Group, current member of both the GSTC and TOI and represented by Jane Ashton, who serves on the board of directors of both organizations. Andreas Mueseler, currently TOI’s Vice-Chairman and a founding member, joins the board of GSTC.
Valere Tjolle
This weeks special offers:
Valere
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season