Ahead of the first GSTC Sustainable Hotel online course (May 27 – June 11), Dr. David Ermen presented key issues hoteliers should focus on beyond plastic straws and reusing towels. The webinar was moderated by Ayako Ezaki, GSTC Training Director. The presentation followed by a Q&A session with David Ermen, Ayako Ezaki, and Roi Ariel, GSTC General Manager.

Recording of the webinar is available on the GSTC YouTube channel (see below)

Increasingly, travelers prefer sustainable hotels and travel provider clients are seeking confirmation that sustainability practices are in place. For example, Transat promotes sustainable hotels with “certifications that meet the GSTC requirements”, TUI Group and EasyJet Holidays encourage their hotels to become certified to GSTC-Recognized Standards, with a mandatory clause in contracts with their accommodation suppliers requiring them to work towards certification. Other travel providers also give preferential buying treatment to suppliers that are certified sustainable.

The GSTC Industry Criteria with suggested performance indicators for hotels serve as basic guidelines for hotels to become more sustainable, and eventually allow these hotels to seek certification as being sustainable hotels.

Sustainable Hotel Course

“Learning about the GSTC Industry Criteria and their application for hotels, hospitality and accommodation professionals will be able to systematically and efficiently approach sustainability practices by aligning with the globally recognized standard of sustainability best practices,” says Dr. David Ermen, GSTC Trainer, who will be leading the first cohort of the GSTC Sustainable Hotel Course. “We look forward to sharing practical sustainability solutions, and helping make sustainability journeys for hotels more approachable, impactful and scalable.”

The GSTC Sustainable Hotels course is designed for hospitality and accommodation professionals, and provides practical insights into sustainability practices for hotels. Delivered as a 2-week-long facilitated and interactive online course, the GSTC Sustainable Hotels course features expert presentations, useful resources, and real-life industry examples and lessons on applying sustainability best practices.

The course offers a convenient way to deepen understanding of sustainability for hotels and improve knowledge in a flexible online learning environment, while at the same time learning alongside GSTC experts and fellow hotel professionals from around the world. It will help achieve tangible actions following the GSTC Industry Criteria.

The first GSTC Sustainable Hotels course will take place from May 27 – June 11, 2021.

Watch the webinar recording

>> Download the presentation slides from this session

>> See additional resources referenced in the session