February 6, 2017 – The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP) works with Training Partners in various regions and destinations that support our mission to increase sustainable tourism knowledge and practice, and offer the official STTP training classes on behalf of the GSTC. This month, we are excited to announce our partnership with the long-time GSTC member and supporter, Botswana Tourism Organization (BTO).

In the past few years, BTO has already been actively engaged in the STTP – from co-hosting a training program in Kasane, Botswana in 2015, to participating in various other events and workshops by the GSTC.

BTO is a longtime leader in sustainability and has participated in the GSTC Destination Program as Early Adopter for the Okavango Delta region. BTO offers the Botswana Ecotourism Certification System, which is designed to encourage and support responsible environmental, social and cultural behavior by tourism businesses and make sure they provide a quality eco-friendly product to consumers.

As a Training Partner, BTO will be organizing STTP training classes in Botswana, initially led by the GSTC-authorized trainers Ms Tshoganetso Carl-Ponoesele (BTO Ecotourism Officer and Acting Tourism Development Manager) and Mr. Thatayaone Mmapatsi (BTO Senior Grading Officer and Eco-Certification Assessor).

About the Botswana Tourism Organization

BTO is the leading body supporting the efforts to market Botswana’s tourist product, grade and classify tourist accommodation facilities, and promote investment in the tourism sector. With its long-standing commitment to conservation of its land, wildlife and cultural heritage, Botswana enjoys a solid reputation as a progressive sustainable tourism destination and one of the top safari destinations in the world.

For more information on BTO, see: http://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/

About the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program

The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP) offers practical insights and effective steps to help you improve your sustainability practices. With the aim of strengthening awareness of sustainable tourism in destinations around the world, the training program covers global trends in sustainable tourism and sustainability best practices for businesses and destinations.

Destination organizations, governments, industry associations and other institutions interested in partnering with the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program are encouraged to contact: training [at] gstcouncil.org.