SGS is Officially a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body: Aligning the Tourism and Hospitality Industry with International Sustainability Standards

[Taipei, March 19, 2026]  SGS officially announces that it has been GSTC-Accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) which means that it conducts certification in accordance with processes compliant with international standards and best practices. It stands as the most dependable means to ensure confidence and credibility in sustainable tourism certification. This qualification symbolizes the highest level of assurance if achieved; by being accredited, SGS’s professional expertise and international credibility in the field of sustainable tourism is globally acknowledged, while laying a solid foundation for the regional tour operators and hospitality industry to move towards international sustainable development. SGS is committed to serving as a bridge for the tourism industry, ensuring that sustainability efforts are globally recognized and trusted.

 

GSTC Standard: Establishing a Common Global Language for Sustainable Tourism

The GSTC Standards serve as the global standards for sustainability in travel and tourism and are widely adopted across various sectors, including Destinations (governments, tourism boards), Hotels/Accommodations (such as, international hotels, inns, B&Bs), Tour Operators (travel platforms or travel agencies), MICE (venues, event planners, MICE organizations), and Attractions (theme parks, museums, and national parks), serving as a vital benchmark for measuring sustainability performance in the tourism industry. The GSTC Standards cover four key pillars: (A) Sustainable management; (B) Socioeconomic impacts; (C) Cultural impacts; and (D) Environmental impacts.
With the mark of quality, its accreditation as a GSTC-accredited Certification Body, SGS will assist the tour operators and hospitality industry in demonstrating sustainability achievements through GSTC Certification, enhancing brand credibility and market competitiveness.

 

Tour Operators and Hospitality Sector Prepared for Sustainability: GSTC Certification Validates Tangible Results

The tour operators and hospitality industry have long invested in sustainable operations, including energy-saving equipment, waste reduction initiatives, carbon footprinting, local cultural experience design, and community collaboration. GSTC Certification offers transparent and internationally acknowledged validation of these existing efforts, allowing the industry’s hard work to be seen and trusted globally.

• Sustainable Management: Implementing systematic management processes and continuous improvement mechanisms; integrating sustainable tourism trends into business strategies.
• Socioeconomic Impacts: Actively promoting local employment and creating shared value; prioritizing local residents for employment and tourism services.
• Cultural Preservation: Supporting local products, craftsmanship, and restaurants; purchasing local souvenirs to directly benefit the local economy.
• Environmental Protection: Optimizing energy efficiency, reducing waste, implementing carbon reduction measures, and minimizing single-use plastics.

 

SGS: A Strategic Partner for Industry Transformation

Steven Chiu, Managing Director of SGS Ltd stated: “Sustainability is the universal language of global tourism. Following its accreditation as a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body, SGS will provide international GSTC Certification services to help the tour operators and hospitality industry showcase sustainability achievements and demonstrate the strength and value of regional tourism on the world stage “. SGS aims to be the partner for the industry’s international expansion, elevating its visibility and competitiveness in the global sustainable tourism landscape. For more information, please contact : Jennifer Wang | Tel📞: +886 2 2299 3279 Ext. 5120 | E-mail📩: jennifer.wang@sgs.com

 

【About SGS】 SGS is the world's leading testing, inspection, and certification company—recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality, and integrity. With a network of over 100,000 employees and 2,500 offices and laboratories, SGS is dedicated to enabling a more sustainable, safer, and connected future. www.sgs.com.tw

【About GSTC】 The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, the GSTC Standards, also known as the GSTC Criteria. The GSTC Destination Standard for public policy-makers and destination managers, the GSTC Hotel Standard for hotels and accommodations, the GSTC Tour Operator Standard, the GSTC MICE Standard for Venues, Event Organizers, and Events & Exhibitions, and the GSTC Attraction Standard for tourist attractions such as theme parks, museums, and national parks.

The GSTC Standards form the foundation for GSTC’s assurance role for Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, MICE venues/ POCs, attractions, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services but provides accreditation to those that do.

Information for media and the press: www.gstc.org/about/for-the-press/