GSTC Auditor Training

Dates: April 21-23, 2024

Venue: Hasselbacken (Hazeliusbacken 20, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden)

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.

Note: The GSTC Auditor Training is designed to teach experienced auditors how to audit to the GSTC Criteria. However, it is open to the public, and there are no prerequisites in order to participate in the training.

Please be aware that completion of the auditor training does not automatically qualify one as an GSTC Auditor. Auditors should satisfy all the requirements underlined in the GSTC Accreditation Manual, including educational background, audit experiences, and other auditor training qualification. The qualification for the GSTC Auditor Training is just one of them.

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 Global Assurance Director, 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

Maria Liontaki

Maria is the GSTC Accreditation Manager. Her career has a significant focus on sustainability within the hospitality industry but also in accreditation procedures. As a Quality Manager, she successfully implemented ISO and Sustainability Management Systems for a hotel chain in Greece, integrating environmental and social considerations into operational practices. Her role as an Assessor for the Hellenic Accreditation Body (ESYD) highlighted her commitment to upholding industry standards, while her experience as a Lead Auditor for ISO Standards and Tourism Product Manager for a Certification Body showcased her proficiency in evaluating and certifying sustainable practices. Maria studied Chemical Engineering and holds an MBA. Maria’s multifaceted expertise and profound commitment to sustainability and accreditation make her an asset to the GSTC team, aligning seamlessly with the organization’s mission.

Mustafa Söğüt

Mustafa Söğüt is the Accreditation Coordinator at GSTC. His role at GSTC is to support the execution of accreditation activities and Turkiye’s Sustainable Tourism Program by monitoring the GSTC-Accredited certification bodies’ activities and certified hotels. Mustafa is an experienced sustainable tourism auditor who worked for ten years in the industry, which provided the opportunity to see onsite sustainability tourism implementation and sustainability efforts.

Mustafa holds two university degrees. The first one is Chemistry, where he worked for 13 years in a laboratory as a chemist. Public Relations is the second one, where he lectured on effective communication skills in private training. He is an MSc Student working on a thesis about Sustainable Tourism in Tourism Management at Akdeniz University. He has a GSTC Hotel Auditor Certificate, ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor, Pedagogical Education Certificate, and Occupational Health and Safety Expertise. He is also a committee member and examiner at the ALTSO (Alanya Chamber of Commerce and Industry) VOC-TEST Center. This center aims to gain professional qualifications and occupational certificates for Hotel Employees. Mustafa is currently based in Antalya, Türkiye.