Market Access

				PROMOTING MARKET ACCESS The Market Access Working Group promotes the development of broad market adoption and application of the GSTC Criteria. With the ultimate goal of increasing demand for sustainable travel and tourism offerings and building trust amongst travelers, the group works to identify opportunities and solutions for alignment greater market potential.
OBJECTIVES Increase the number of sustainable tourism products by creating a realizable market incentive for businesses to pursue sustainable operations Increase the number of sustainable tourism products that are easily accessed in the most utilized market points-of-sale Promote procurement policies that demand sustainable travel options Build recognition and promotion of local sustainable product through Destination Management Organizations and Tourism Boards. Provide access to market opportunities for small enterprises and community based tourism.

Market Access Working Group

• Randy Durband - Robin Tauck & Partners (Chair)
• Jane Ashton - TUI Travel 
• Irene Lane - Greenloons
• Melinda Watt - Earthcheck
• Jailan Adly - CDC Development Solutions
• Ian Lipton - The Carbon Accounting Company
• Melissa Teates - ASTA
• Stephan Busch - Alliance of Independent Trave Traders
• Andrea Myers - Hotel Association of Canada
• Alexi Huntley Khajavi - Mercury CSC
• Richard Campbell - Organization of American States

Working groups are limited to 10 members. If you are interested in applying for the Destinations Working Group please download the application and send it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Visit the forum about Market Access

“One of the few ways to ensure the long-term health and stability of local communities – and help alleviate poverty – is by creating local businesses, local jobs,” said Leilani Latimer, chairman of Market Access Working Group. “This program will help change the lives of so many AND travelers will just have a better time knowing they have purchased something unique and local."