We are thrilled to announce that USEH International is now a proud member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)! This monumental partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to global sustainability and responsible travel. With over two decades of experience, USEH International has been steadfastly committed to the welfare and development of young professionals in the hospitality industry, providing essential support for their global career growth.
As future leaders in the hospitality sector, it is pivotal for our participants to be conscious of global matters in today’s travel industry. By partnering with GSTC, we aim to create a ripple effect, instigating positive change and promoting responsible practices throughout the travel and tourism sectors. We invite our participants and partners to join us in this endeavor by adopting responsible travel practices and supporting sustainable tourism. Together, we can contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future for the travel industry and the world.
Why Travel Responsibly?
People travel for various reasons, including business, leisure, adventure, and cultural experiences. Tourism has positive impacts, such as job creation, and cultural heritage awareness, but also negative effects on local societies, economies, and environments. According to Booking.com’s 2021 Sustainable Travel Report, 81% of travelers want to stay in sustainable accommodations in the upcoming year, a notable increase from previous years. As visitors, we share the responsibility to act responsibly, respect local customs, and choose services that maximize tourism’s positive impacts, ensuring future generations can continue traveling.
Responsible Travel and Sustainable Tourism
Responsible Travel refers to travelers making choices according to sustainable tourism practices, whereas Sustainable Tourism refers to the industry and governments providing services to travelers.
Travel More Responsibly
The GSTC encourages travelers to choose sustainable accommodations and travel providers certified as sustainable. Certification verifies the business’s claims of sustainability. Travelers can affect change by asking providers to gain certification as evidence of their sustainable operations.
Identifying Sustainable Travel Companies
Certified sustainable companies display their certificate and the issuing body’s information. However, many labels and certifications exist, causing confusion. The GSTC recognizes certain sustainability standards as equivalent to the GSTC Criteria, although it does not conduct certification. Certification is conducted by relevant Certification Bodies worldwide, and GSTC accredits those that certify in a competent and neutral manner. We recommend choosing companies certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body, displaying the GSTC logo alongside the Certification Body’s logo.
In conclusion, we recommend opting for travel companies certified by GSTC-Accredited Certification Bodies as a way to ensure responsible and sustainable travel practices. By making conscious choices in our travel arrangements, we can all contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future for the travel industry and the world.
USEH International, founded by a group of academicians in 2000, is dedicated to guiding young professionals, especially in the hospitality industry, by aligning them with meticulously curated internships and training opportunities. Our recruitment process, grounded in due diligence, involves a thorough understanding of global market trends and host companies’ specific demands, ensuring perfect fits that drive mutual success and satisfaction. For more information about USEH International please visit www.useh.org or contact atlanta@useh.org.
