GSTC – Control Union

GSTC – Global Sustainable Tourism Council

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is an independent, non-governmental organisation that sets the leading global standard for sustainable tourism, supported by UNEP and UNWTO. GSTC certification is a rigorous third-party audit against the GSTC Criteria, comparable to benchmarks such as FSC and MSC.
Control Union offers certification services to guide organisations through this process, enabling them to demonstrate their commitment to responsible tourism.

Control Union – Certification

    GSTC at Control Union

    GSTC certification enables hotels, inbound tour operators, DMCs and destinations to independently verify, strengthen and communicate their sustainability performance. By achieving GSTC certification, organisations can enhance their brand reputation, meet growing consumer demand for responsible travel, and realise operational efficiencies.

    Control Union Certifications is GSTC-accredited (GSTC-ACC-001), and Control Union Singapore is accredited for hotel and tour operator certification (ACC 2025-25-17), ensuring an impartial, credible and high-quality process. Our global network and local expertise guide organisations through certification, supporting continuous improvement, stronger community engagement and measurable impact, while enhancing trust, meeting market expectations and creating long-term value.

    Get in touch with our experts!

    Why choose Control Union as your certification partner?

    • Global and local customer-focused employees with broad knowledge and years of (practical) experience. We guide you through the changing world of certifications.

    • We conduct audits and certifications with a human touch. We enjoy contributing ideas on how to take your company to the next level and communicate clearly about the certification process.

    • Control Union understands the importance of acting quickly, which is why our auditors will visit you for the audit as soon as possible after your request, always in consultation with you, of course.

    Features of GSTC

    Control Union – Certification
    1.

    Global Standards Compliance

    Ensures adherence to the highest social and environmental tourism standards, verified by an independent audit.

    2.

    Enhanced Brand Reputation

    Builds trust and recognition through commitment to local communities, the environment, and sustainable practices.

    3.

    Increased Market Access

    Connects with eco-conscious consumers and is preferred by OTAs highlighting sustainable travel options.

    4.

    Operational Cost Savings

    Achieves significant savings through better management of resources like waste, water, and energy.

    5.

    Demonstrable Sustainability

    Provides credible communication on sustainability performance, supported by certified logos and reporting.

    Control Union – Certification
    The travel industry is under a sustainability magnifying glass. Through certification, you are transparent about your efforts to operate as sustainably as possible. In a world full of promises, certification is the benchmark for whether those promises are truly being fulfilled.
    Daan Bakkum – Control Union Certifications
    GSTC Accredited Certification programs:

    Accreditation

    Get in touch with our experts!

    This is how certification with Control Union works

    In outline, we go through these 6 steps. We’ll tell you all about it at the start of the project.

    Applying for certification

    Apply by using the contact details at the bottom of this page

    Determining scope of certification

    Together, we discuss the details and scope of your application. Which processes, products and/or locations would you like to have certified?

    Quotation & contract

    After establishing exact scopes and auditing times, you’ll receive our quote.

    After agreement, you may start the preparation phase.

    Audit planning, preparation, execution and reporting

    You will be assigned one of our qualified and independent auditors. We’ll reach out to you to check if you’re ready for the initial audit. If needed, we’ll provide additional information to help to prepare.

    Good to go? The initial audit is planned, carried out and reported.

    Review

    During the audit, we will assess if you meet the requirements. After that, we will confirm if you’ve fully complied, if there are things to improve, or if there are any non-conformities.

    Together, we will discuss our findings, plan of action and planning in case of non-conformities. In case your chosen program includes a logo, we will discuss this too.

    Receiving your certificate

    If all non-conformities are resolved and everything has been assessed positively, the certification decision follows.

    Depending on the type of certification:
    • you are allowed to trade using the certificate
    • you are executing the process according to the guidelines
    • you are allowed to name the certificate on your website
    Some certificates allow you to use the certificate’s logo. We will provide you with guidelines for this.

    The certification process does not end here, annual audits ensure consistent quality!

    Global coverage, local knowledge

    Control Union provides peace of mind in supply chains worldwide. Thanks to our up-to-date knowledge and experience, we cover all aspects of the supply and value chain in various industries. We think along, communicate clearly and offer concrete solutions. As a ‘one-stop shop’ for international and local certificates, we make certification more efficient. Want to know more about our independent, accredited audits and certifications? Whether you are certifying for the first time or have been around for years, we help!

    105
    +
    Years of experience
    275
    +
    offices and labs worldwide in 80 countries
    6000
    +
    Proud colleagues

    Request GSTC or discuss without obligation?

    We are here to help you. Simply fill out the form below!

    Control Union Certifications

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    Independent tailor-made services

    What makes you unique, we make demonstrable

    Does your organisation have specific certification or audit requirements that are not covered by the certification programmes? For example developing a new standard? Control Union also provides independent customised services.

    Read more about our customised solutions
    Control Union - supply chain