SINGAPORE – The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has announced the release of its new Attraction Criteria, a landmark step in promoting sustainable practices across the attractions industry.
Developed with support from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), these criteria provide a comprehensive framework for attractions such as theme parks, museums, and national parks to operate responsibly.
The Attraction Criteria focus on four key pillars: sustainable management, socioeconomic impacts, cultural preservation, and environmental protection.
These guidelines aim to help attractions align their operations with global sustainability goals while safeguarding natural and cultural heritage.
“This achievement represents 14 months of collaborative effort, bringing together experts and stakeholders worldwide,” said Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC.
“These criteria will guide attractions toward a sustainable future while enhancing the visitor experience.”
The criteria are closely tied to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), offering a practical roadmap for reducing environmental impact and fostering community engagement.
A two-year early adopter program will allow attractions to implement the standards and share insights, fostering broader adoption across the industry.
Coastal Tourism Faces Climate Challenges
While attractions work toward sustainability, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is calling for urgent action to address climate risks threatening coastal and marine tourism.
According to a WTTC report, developed in collaboration with the Iberostar Group and Oxford Economics, an annual investment of US$65 billion is needed to mitigate these risks and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
“Coastal and marine tourism is vital, contributing $1.5 trillion annually to the global economy, but it is on the frontline of climate change,” said Julia Simpson, President & CEO of WTTC.
“Investments in resilience and mitigation are critical to protect these destinations and the communities that rely on them.”
Coastal tourism contributes significantly to global emissions, with 390 million tonnes of CO₂ released annually.
Rising sea levels, extreme weather, and coastal erosion are exacerbating vulnerabilities, especially in regions like Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The WTTC’s report highlights solutions such as renewable energy and mangrove restoration projects, which have already shown promising results in reducing environmental impacts and building community resilience.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
