The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) developed a short course on Sustainable Tourism for the project of Sustainable Community Tourism in the North Region of the Dominican Republic carried out by the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR), the Instituto Formación Técnico Profesional (INFOTEP) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The classes were held virtually between January 31and February 11, 2022, where the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Criteria were reviewed, examples of practical application were addressed, and analysis and application workshops were held.

The course had the enthusiastic participation of 40 students from MITUR and INFOTEP officials, and other stakeholders that play a key role in the development of regional tourism. The closure of the Sustainable Community Tourism in the Dominican Republic Project also took place during this event.

Live session, Friday, February 11, 2022

What do other industry professionals think about the course?

This course offered us the possibility of interacting with multiple actors in the value chain of the tourism sector, with whom, based on the interaction with tutors and guests, we discussed various success stories in the sustainable management of tourism. Another key takeaway was to envision the challenges that we still face as a destination, and knowing that we do not need to reach that far to reach sustainability within our destination; it is all a learning experience of our potential, the integration of actors and ultimately the sectors’ managers resolutions.
Milka Hernández, General Manager SARMA Group, Srl. Consulting company in tourism marketing and strategic communication

“Excellent course to learn and share the knowledge to appreciate the natural resources and its beauty, besides learning about the cultures where these resources are found, and where local communities can benefit from those who enjoy and appreciate them, achieving this way the true sustainability”
Rafael Troncoso, former Treasurer, Dominican Association of Travel and Tourism Operators North Zone

“It was all very emotive, the knowledge of each speaker, every GSTC Guide, the website had very good videos of places and case studies that didn’t ever cross our mind being able to see them; the training’s promotion is also very good – I hope they can keep growing and make their way in this big world, we truly need more examples like this, that contribute to improve the planet with a very good solution, and I hope as well to see their progress. Many thanks for the opportunity”
Yoel Aquino Tolentino, Evaluation Technician of the department of ecotourism and public use of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources

GSTC Trainers and Course Leaders

About the Course

The course designis based on the Sustainable Tourism Criteria of the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council), criteria that shapes a reference framework for defining tourism sustainability standards throughout the world. The program is designed to address sutainable tourism technical concepts (GSTC Criteria) and real case studies where the practical applicability of the criteria can be seen in both businesses and destinations alike.

More info and register here