Consultancy to the APT (Tourist Board) for the GSTC Certification dedicated to the sustainability of tourist destinations.

  • Tourism
  • APT Valsugana
  • Italy
  • 2018-2019
  • https:

  • Our services & GSTC certification
    Ecodestination Strategy of Valsugana
    Meeting with the Minister, August 2019, Rome

  • A recognised achievement coordinated by Etifor and obtained thanks to a method of comparing benchmarks and innovative in their participatory dynamics. This approach encouraged active exchanges among those who provide services for the benefit of citizens and tourists according to positive and sustainable models: responsible tourism, impact assessment ethical on economic and social development strategies, protection and enhancement of cultural heritage and the environment.

    Stefano Ravelli, Apt Valsugana

Certification Path

From June 2018, the Tourism Board Valsugana Lagorai has undertaken a path of certification towards sustainability of extraordinary importance for the development of its tourist destination. In 2019, this choice resulted in the certification of environmental sustainability and social responsibility according to the criteria and standards of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

The GSTC is an independent and non-profit organization that has developed the third party reference standards for the two Certificates of Sustainable Tourism (GSTC C-HTO and GSTC CD). The latter, recognized worldwide and valid for 3 years, allows tourist facilities and destinations to demonstrate their commitment to implementing and promoting a sustainable management system from governance, environmental, economic and social points of view.

Since June 24 2019, Valsugana is the first tourist destination in Italy to have obtained the destination certificate for sustainable tourism according to these standards. The GSTC sustainability certification is not a simple goal but underlines the commitment of this destination that is developing, according to international criteria, a conscious and quality tourist offer.

Our contribution

Our tourism experts worked together with the Valsugana Tourism Board to offer the methodological support that led to the Certification. In particular, our team supported the Tourim Board during the following activities:

  • Preliminary study of the requirements of the standard;
  • Involvement of local stakeholders and participatory processes;
  • Drafting of the certification dossier;
  • Support in the audit phase;
  • Monitoring of the activities necessary to maintain the certification.