“The diverse players of the travel and tourism industry have shown very mixed efforts in trying to “do the right things” for the environment and people, and have had very mixed results.

 That’s why effective use of universal standards for sustainability is essential. Some of the most prominent guidelines are for global hotel operations, travel providers in individual nations, and specialized travel styles such as ecotourism.”

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s 41 criteria for travel companies and destinations provide a global baseline for industry and public sector planners and managers to follow.

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Read the full op-ed: The Industry Can Set and Follow Sustainable Tourism Standards by GSTC CEO Randy Durband on New York Times (published: 29 December 2014).