I have mentioned the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) many times on Green Lodging News. For those of you not familiar with GSTC, it establishes and manages global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, known as the GSTC Criteria. One need not be a certifying organization to join GSTC. In fact, the organization states, “Membership is open to all interested parties….”
GSTC just welcomed Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts as a member to the Council. Founded in 1960 by Isadore Sharp, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is a globally renowned hospitality company specializing in luxury hotels, resorts, and residential properties, striving to ensure its activities are consistent with the long-term health of the communities and ecosystems where it operates.
“We are pleased that Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has joined our global network as a GSTC Member and is committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices. We look forward to working with them to advance together in the direction of this shared and significant goal,” said Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC.
As of year-end 2022, the company manages 126 hotels and resorts and 53 residential properties in major city centers and resort locations in 47 countries, with more than 50 projects under planning or development. Over 50,000 staff are employed at the managed properties and the company’s offices.
Another Opportunity to Collaborate
“Joining the GSTC signifies our unwavering commitment to ensuring our activities are consistent with the long-term health of the communities and ecosystems where we operate. Through the GSTC community, we look forward to further collaboration with our partners across the travel and tourism industry to pave the way for a more sustainable and vibrant future,” said Caitrin O’Brien, Vice President, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
Through the company’s ESG program, Four Seasons seeks to preserve and regenerate the places in which they operate and leave a positive, enduring impact on their communities.
The company’s ESG program is centered around two pillars: Planet (environmental impact) and People (social impact). Each pillar is supported by specific activities and objectives, with a close eye on how efforts will contribute to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Learn more here.
