GSTC’s 2025 Destination Standards Redefine Sustainable Travel

In March 2025, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) approved a major revision to its Destination Accreditation Manual, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of sustainable travel.

These updates reflect the growing complexity of tourism’s environmental and cultural impact and the need for smarter, more inclusive tools to measure it. From AI-powered carbon tracking to indigenous stewardship benchmarks, the new standards offer a blueprint for destinations seeking to align with regenerative principles.

As confirmed by the GSTC, the revised manual was developed through a 100-day public consultation and reviewed by the Accreditation Decision-Making Committee. It’s now the foundation for how certification bodies assess destinations, ensuring that sustainability is not just a label, but a lived practice.

From Criteria to Standards: A Terminological Shift

One of the first changes travellers and tourism professionals will notice is the rebranding of “GSTC Criteria” to “GSTC Standards.” While the content remains largely the same, this shift clarifies the role of these guidelines as formal benchmarks for sustainable tourism practices.

According to UCSL, the change enhances clarity across the industry and reinforces the GSTC’s role as the global authority on sustainable travel.

This terminological update is more than semantics, it reflects a broader movement toward standardization, transparency, and accountability in tourism certification.

AI-Powered Carbon Tracking and Data Integration

One of the most innovative additions to the 2025 standards is the integration of AI-powered carbon tracking. Destinations are now encouraged to use third-party data platforms to monitor emissions from transportation, accommodation, and visitor activity.

The 2025 GDS-Index, a performance improvement program aligned with GSTC, has incorporated these tools to help cities and regions benchmark their progress.

This data-driven approach allows destinations to identify hotspots, optimize infrastructure, and communicate their sustainability efforts with precision.

It also empowers travellers to make informed choices, aligning their itineraries with low-impact options.

Indigenous Stewardship and Cultural Integrity

Another key update is the inclusion of indigenous stewardship benchmarks. Destinations must now demonstrate how they engage with indigenous communities, not just as cultural assets, but as co-creators of tourism experiences. This includes fair compensation, representation in governance, and protection of sacred sites.

The move aligns with global calls for decolonizing travel and ensuring that cultural tourism does not become cultural extraction. As noted in the StandardsMap overview, the GSTC’s mission is to promote universal principles that respect both people and place.

Regenerative Tourism Metrics: Beyond Sustainability

Perhaps the most transformative shift is the adoption of regenerative tourism metrics. Unlike traditional sustainability, which aims to minimize harm, regenerative tourism seeks to leave destinations better than they were found. This includes restoring ecosystems, revitalizing local economies, and fostering community resilience.

The revised standards encourage destinations to measure outcomes such as biodiversity gains, soil health, and social equity. Tools like the Destination Wayfinder Framework, now GSTC-recognized, help tourism boards monitor and improve their stewardship practices.

Implications for Travelers and Tour Operators

For travellers, these updates mean greater transparency and trust. Certified destinations must now provide clear documentation of their sustainability efforts, including carbon data, community engagement, and ecological impact.

This allows travellers to align their choices with their values, whether they’re booking a rainforest lodge or a city walking tour.

For tour operators, the standards offer a roadmap for building itineraries that meet global benchmarks. From sourcing local guides to offsetting emissions, every aspect of the travel experience can now be optimized for regenerative impact.

Looking Ahead: A New Era of Destination Stewardship

The GSTC’s 2025 updates mark a turning point in how we define and pursue sustainable travel. By integrating technology, ethics, and ecology, the new standards offer a holistic framework for destination stewardship. They challenge tourism boards to move beyond marketing and into meaningful action, and invite travellers to become part of that journey.

As the climate crisis intensifies and cultural landscapes face increasing pressure, these standards are not just timely they’re essential. They ensure that travel remains a force for good, capable of healing rather than harming.

For full documentation and implementation guidelines, visit the GSTC Accreditation Manual.