Criteria Development & Revisions
Criteria Development and Revision Process
The process, which is based on GSTC Standard Setting Manual v3.0 was developed based on the ISEAL Code, and the key aspects of the process are:
- External experts’ engagement in the new Criteria development and the Revision of the Criteria
- Multiple rounds of Public Consultation to get various stakeholders’ engagement in the process
- Reaching out to disadvantaged groups* to get their input.
* Disadvantaged group: Those who experience discrimination or barriers to equal opportunity. In the GSTC Criteria Development process, the Disadvantaged group is defined as those who are under-engaged and under-represented groups due to barriers such as linguistic, geographic, technical, and other difficulties/barriers in participating in the development of a set of GSTC Criteria and/or in applying the Criteria in their activities. (page 30 Glossary – GSTC Standard Setting Manual v3.0)
To provide feedback on current Criteria, please see the Feedback page.
Impact of Revisions on GSTC-Recognized Standards and Certification Bodies
Per the terms of the Recognition, as stated in the Manuals for Recognitions the marks, following the revision of GSTC Criteria, holders of GSTC-Recognized Standards have two years from the dates of release of the revisions to make any necessary revisions to their standards in order to remain compliant with the GSTC mark. Questions may be addressed to recognition@gstc.org
Ongoing Criteria Development & Revisions
GSTC Criteria Development
GSTC Criteria for Food and Beverage Service Providers in Tourism
The first public consultation will start from 1st November 2024 – 31st December 2024
- GSTC Criteria for Food and Beverage Service Providers in Tourism Development has started
- GSTC Criteria for Food and Beverage Service Providers in Tourism Terms of Reference
GSTC Attraction Criteria
The 2nd public consultation started from 1st August to 15th September 2024
- The feasibility assessment is completed (see participated organizations)
- Attraction Criteria Development started, and the 1st public consultation is completed (The key findings report is available here)
- GSTC Attraction Criteria Terms of Reference
GSTC Criteria Revisions
GSTC Industry Criteria
The second public consultation will start from 1st November to 31st of December 2024
- The first public consultation using the GSTC-I v. 3 is completed (from 1st July – 31st August 2024)
- The 4th revision process of GSTC Industry Criteria started (from 1st July 2024 – 31st August 2025)
- GSTC Industry Criteria Revision Terms of Reference – relating to the 2024 revision of the Industry Criteria
Upcoming Criteria Development & Revisions
Criteria Development
Currently, there is no plan to develop new Criteria.
Criteria Revisions
The GSTC Destinations Criteria revision will start in 2025.