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 Attraction Criteria 

 The 2nd public consultation started from 1st August to 15th September 2024 

GSTC Criteria Revisions

GSTC Industry Criteria  

The second public consultation will start from 1st November to 31st of December 2024

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.