GSTC Auditor Training

Dates: November 29 – December 1, 2023

Venue: Virgin Voyages headquarters (1000 South Pine Island Road, Suite 600, Plantation, FL 33324)

Language: English

Scope: GSTC Industry Criteria for Hotel and Tour operator

*GSTC Auditor Training involves training class and two tests. In the GSTC Auditor Training Class, the GSTC Industry Criteria will be explained with the process of audit and key issues auditors need to be aware of.

About the Course | Exam & Certificate | Trainer & Presenters | Registration Details

ABOUT THE COURSE

GSTC Auditor Training

Certification Bodies will need to conform to the current version of the GSTC Accreditation Manual and have auditors and certification decision-makers that have specific knowledge of sustainable tourism and the GSTC Criteria.

To confirm auditors and certification decision-makers have the needed specific knowledge, they are required to attend an auditor training approved by the GSTC and satisfactory pass of an examination. This requirement cannot be initiated until after the Certification Body has formally opened their application for accreditation.

EXAM & CERTIFICATE

GSTC Certificate of Achievement

By completing the GSTC Auditor Training class, you will meet the training requirement towards earning the GSTC Certificate of Achievement.

For the GSTC Certificate of Achievement, two kind of tests are required.

Written Exam: Auditors who intend to work for the GSTC-accredited CB may take and pass the GSTC Auditor Exam (passing score: 85%). It will be via email with 1 week time for completing the answer sheet.
Field Performance Test: Auditors will deliver individual mock audit on a hotel and/or tour operators.

TRAINER

Dr. Mihee Kang

Dr. Mihee Kang is the GSTC Director for the Asia Pacific region, as well as an authorized trainer and destination assessor. She has taught and researched ecotourism and sustainable tourism at several universities since receiving her Ph.D. degree in 1999 from Seoul National University. As the first Ph.D. in ecotourism in S. Korea and a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve (MAB) Young Scientists Awards 2000 winner, she has been involved in sustainable tourism policy development and sustainability assessments of various types of destinations in S. Korea and other countries over 30 years. She has served in both domestic and international organizations such as Korean Geopark Committee, Korea Islands Foundation, Korea Trails and Culture, Jeju World Heritage Committee, Korea Forest Education Committee, Asian Ecotourism Network, etc. She has actively participated in numerous research projects and ODA projects in Korea and abroad. Dr. Kang has published many articles and books including a recent book about ecotourism in Asian countries.

CO-TRAINER

Mr. Randy Durband

Randy Durband has had two careers in travel and tourism – twenty-plus years in senior leadership positions at some of the finest U.S. tour operators, having served as President for Travcoa, INTRAV, and Clipper Cruise Lines, (brands within TUI Travel plc), plus Executive Vice President of Tauck World Discovery. Following that, in his second travel and tourism career, Randy advanced the work of Sustainable Tourism as an advisor, consultant, and speaker. He brings his knowledge of the business of travel, his global network of travel professionals, and a passion for sustainability to support the GSTC and the general sustainable tourism movement. He has held several board positions and committee memberships in travel and tourism organizations, and is a frequent speaker on sustainable tourism issues.