Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Destination Management – University of Colombo includes GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP)

The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP) was integrated into a formal university certificate course for the first time.

The University of Colombo offers a Certificate Course in Sustainable Tourism Destination Management. It is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in tourism organizations looking to commit to sustainable practices.

The CSTDM is to provide strategic management skills and competencies in sustainable destination management along with practical applications. This certificate course is designed for tourism professionals, who wish to start or advance their career in sustainable tourism management. Furthermore, this course expects to provide the necessary knowledge and skills for middle and higher levels of management professionals, practitioners, entrepreneurs, researchers, and higher education students on Sustainable Tourism Destination Management.

GSTC authorized trainers, Prof D.A.C. Suranga Silva and Mr.Chinthana Duminduhewa, manage the training program. On September 24th, Dr. Mihee Kang, GSTC Global Assurance Director delivered a lecture on the GSTC for the students of the certificate course. An overview of the GSTC, GSTC Industry Criteria, and the GSTC Destination Criteria with case studies were delivered in the online training with 15 students.

Dr. Mihee Kang said, “I would like to express my gratitude to Colombo University for engaging the GSTC in fulfilling the mission of nurturing sustainable tourism professionals. I congratulate the successful launching of the CSTDM and wish for more professionals to be nurtured through this course including the GSTC training.”

Professor (Dr). D.A.C. Suranga Silva said, “Right application of sustainable tourism practices has become the most important determiner for the prosperity and a well-balanced development of the industry, for which empowering the industry professionals and practitioners with creative decision making, innovative management, effective marketing and responsible leadership is the need of the hour at present. Therefore, the Certificate Course in Sustainable Tourism Destination Management (CSTDM) has been developed as an industry-interactive and application-oriented learning programme to prepare industry professionals and practitioners to fill the prevailing gaps for the successful implementation of sustainable tourism destination development and management practices.”

Mr. Chinthana Duminduhewa said, “Sustainability in the tourism industry is the key decision-making factor for travelers in the present context. Emerging travel trends and patterns are primarily concerned with sustainable tourism practices and responsible consumption for destination stewardship. Therefore, the tourism business has to more focus on sustainable tourism good practices to cater to potential markets. In this context knowledge sharing and focusing on good practices are the key components of achieving corporate sustainability of tourism establishments. Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Destination Management – CSTDM programme would drive a better practical path with experience sharing to develop Sri Lanka as a well-known sustainable tourism destination in the world.”

About the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP)

The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP) offers opportunities throughout the year for tourism professionals interested and engaged in sustainability. 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.

You can learn more about the STTP and join one of the upcoming courses: Sustainable Tourism course, Sustainable Business Travel course, and Sustainable Hotel course.

Follow updates on the STTP on social media with the hashtag #GSTCtraining.