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Time Business News
09-07-2025
- Time Business News
The Role of Travel Operators in Sustainable and Responsible Tourism
Sustainable and responsible tourism is no longer a choice but a necessity as travelers and destinations grapple with the realities of climate change, over-tourism, and the preservation of cultural and ecological heritage. In this movement, travel operators have a crucial role to play in shaping a future where travel remains enriching for travelers while protecting the world for generations to come. Sustainable tourism focuses on minimizing the negative impacts of travel on the environment, economy, and society while maximizing its positive contributions. Responsible tourism emphasizes conscious decision-making by travelers and the industry to respect local communities, support biodiversity, and promote cultural integrity. The role of travel operators in this movement is multi-faceted, as they act as the bridge between travelers and destinations, influencing choices and behaviors at every step of the journey. Travel operators can design itineraries that minimize carbon footprints by including train journeys over short-haul flights, promoting walking or cycling tours, and partnering with eco-friendly accommodations. Such curated trips help travelers explore destinations deeply while reducing environmental impact. A responsible travel operator prioritizes experiences that directly benefit local communities. This includes recommending locally-owned accommodations, promoting local guides, organizing visits to community-run projects, and supporting artisans through craft tours and fair-trade experiences. These choices ensure that tourism revenues remain within the community, uplifting local economies. Education is one of the most powerful tools in promoting responsible travel. Travel operators can inform travelers about destination-specific guidelines, such as respecting wildlife, reducing waste, and adhering to cultural etiquettes. Pre-trip resources and on-tour briefings encourage travelers to make mindful decisions that protect the destinations they visit. Travel operators often work in collaboration with conservation organizations, arranging tours that contribute a portion of the proceeds to wildlife protection and habitat conservation projects. From wildlife safaris that follow ethical guidelines to volunteering opportunities at conservation sites, these tours help travelers contribute to protecting the planet while exploring it. Over-tourism places immense pressure on popular destinations, leading to environmental degradation and disruption of local life. Travel operators play a pivotal role in promoting lesser-known destinations, distributing tourist flows, and providing unique experiences while preserving popular spots. International tour operators often align with global standards by obtaining certifications such as Travelife, GSTC, or other sustainability recognitions. These certifications are a testament to their commitment to responsible practices, ensuring that travelers can trust them in their pursuit of ethical travel. Plastic pollution is a significant concern in tourism. By encouraging travelers to carry reusable water bottles and partnering with accommodations that avoid single-use plastics, travel operators can actively reduce plastic waste on their tours. Adventure tourism and wildlife experiences are often areas where sustainability can falter if not managed responsibly. Ethical travel operators work with experienced local guides who respect wildlife viewing distances, avoid disturbing natural habitats, and educate travelers on conservation efforts, ensuring these experiences are enriching rather than harmful. While the commitment to sustainable tourism is clear, challenges remain for travel operators. Convincing travelers to opt for responsible choices, which may sometimes be more expensive or less convenient, requires persistent education and transparent communication. Infrastructure limitations in some destinations can also make sustainable practices harder to implement. However, these challenges are opportunities for travel operators to innovate, invest in local partnerships, and collaborate with governments and NGOs to improve destination sustainability. As sustainability becomes a priority for travelers, travel operators will need to continue evolving, integrating technology for efficient planning while maintaining human connections essential for personalized and responsible travel experiences. Digital tools can help in reducing paper use, managing group sizes for minimal impact, and tracking carbon footprints, enabling both operators and travelers to monitor their sustainability metrics. For travelers seeking to explore the world responsibly, choosing the right travel operator is crucial. Look for operators who: Partner with local businesses and guides Share sustainability goals transparently Design low-impact itineraries Hold certifications aligned with sustainable practices Educate travelers on destination-specific guidelines Doing so ensures that your travel decisions align with your values and contribute positively to the places you visit. Travel operators play an essential role in the advancement of sustainable and responsible tourism by influencing traveler choices, supporting local communities, promoting conservation, and encouraging offbeat travel. Their commitment shapes the travel industry into a force for good, balancing the joy of exploration with the responsibility of preservation. If you are looking to explore the world responsibly with curated, seamless experiences, consider exploring international tour operators in India like TourOn, which is committed to crafting meaningful journeys with a focus on sustainability for travelers worldwide. Author Bio Reethika is an aspiring content writer with a strong passion for the tourism and travel industry. Though a fresher, she possesses excellent knowledge of global destinations, travel trends, and audience engagement strategies. With a natural flair for storytelling and a deep curiosity about different cultures, she creates informative, inspiring, and well-researched content that sparks the wanderlust in every reader. Eager to grow and contribute meaningfully, she is committed to delivering high-quality content that connects with travelers and adds value to the industry. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Daily Express
10-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah Tourism Board hosts GSTC workshop to drive sustainable tourism
Published on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 10, 2025 Text Size: Q&A session: (From left) Grace, Kingston Khoo and Randy. Kota Kinabalu: The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) High-Level Workshop was held at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, here, recently. The full-day workshop brought together 80 key tourism stakeholders – consisting of tourism associations, government departments and agencies and academicians. Advertisement Organised by the Sabah Tourism Board, the workshop featured speakers from GSTC, namely, Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC and Kingston Khoo, a certified GSTC trainer. Both experts led insightful sessions that introduced participants to the GSTC Criteria and provided guidance on sustainable tourism implementation. The workshop was officiated by Datuk Josie Lai, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, who emphasised Sabah's responsibility as a steward of its natural and cultural treasures. 'Sustainable tourism is not just a goal; it is a necessity to safeguard Sabah's environment and culture for future generations while supporting economic growth and community well-being,' she said. Following her keynote address, Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of Sabah Tourism Board, delivered a briefing on the importance of GSTC in guiding Sabah's sustainable tourism efforts. He mentioned that the objective for implementing the GSTC criteria is to align Sabah's tourism sector with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by integrating these global standards. This approach enhances Sabah's international credibility, fosters sustainable business opportunities, and strengthens its position as a premier ecotourism destination on the world stage. Sabah is already making significant progress, with three key sites – Maliau Basin, Imbak Canyon, and the Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley – having achieved GSTC certification, demonstrating local commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism best practices. The workshop provided an in-depth overview of sustainable tourism principles, current global trends, and the pivotal role of the GSTC and its international standards in guiding both public and private sector practices. The morning sessions highlighted successful case studies from abroad, providing helpful information regarding real-world implementation of sustainability in tourism. A highlight of the day was a sharing session by Grace Pounsin from Yayasan Sabah Group, who detailed their successful journey in achieving GSTC certification for the Maliau Basin and Imbak Canyon Conservation Areas – powerful examples of Sabah's leadership in conservation and sustainability. The afternoon sessions focused on local context, emphasising the role of various stakeholders in applying GSTC standards in Sabah. Interactive discussions encouraged participants to explore practical and collaborative approaches to enhancing sustainability across the tourism value chain. In his closing remarks, Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of the Sabah Tourism Board, encouraged all participants to turn knowledge into action. 'We now have a clearer understanding of how sustainable tourism can drive real change for our communities and ecosystems. 'Let us take the GSTC standards and make them part of how we plan, operate, and innovate in Sabah's tourism sector. Together, we can ensure that tourism development benefits both people and the planet.' As Sabah eyes a sustainable future, this workshop marks a critical milestone in embedding sustainability into its tourism strategy. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
09-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
STB hosts workshop to drive sustainable tourism forward
Seated (from left to right) Mary Malangking (Deputy Permanent Secretary I, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah), Kingston Khoo (GSTC Trainer), Julinus Jeffery Jimit (CEO, Sabah Tourism Board), Randy Durband (CEO, GSTC), and Grace Pounsin (Yayasan Sabah Group), with the workshop participants. KOTA KINABALU (June 9): In a significant step toward advancing responsible and environmentally conscious travel practices, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) High-Level Workshop was held on June 3 at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu. The full-day workshop brought together 80 key tourism stakeholders — consisting of tourism associations, government departments and agencies, and academicians. Organised by the Sabah Tourism Board, the workshop featured distinguished speakers from GSTC: Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC, and Kingston Khoo, a certified GSTC trainer. Both experts led insightful sessions that introduced participants to the GSTC criteria and provided guidance on sustainable tourism implementation. The workshop was officially opened by Datuk Josie Lai, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, who emphasised Sabah's responsibility as a steward of its natural and cultural treasures: 'Sustainable tourism is not just a goal; it is a necessity to safeguard Sabah's environment and culture for future generations while supporting economic growth and community well-being,' she said. Following her keynote address, Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of Sabah Tourism Board, delivered a briefing on the importance of GSTC in guiding Sabah's sustainable tourism efforts. He mentioned that the objective for implementing the GSTC criteria is to align Sabah's tourism sector with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by integrating these global standards. This approach enhances Sabah's international credibility, fosters sustainable business opportunities, and strengthens its position as a premier ecotourism destination on the world stage. Sabah is already making significant progress, with three key sites — Maliau Basin, Imbak Canyon, and the Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley — having achieved GSTC certification, demonstrating local commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism best practices. The workshop provided an in-depth overview of sustainable tourism principles, current global trends, and the pivotal role of the GSTC and its international standards in guiding both public and private sector practices. The morning sessions highlighted successful case studies from abroad, providing helpful information regarding real-world implementation of sustainability in tourism. A highlight of the day was a sharing session by Grace Pounsin from Yayasan Sabah Group, who detailed their successful journey in achieving GSTC certification for the Maliau Basin and Imbak Canyon Conservation Areas — powerful examples of Sabah's leadership in conservation and sustainability. The afternoon sessions focused on local context, emphasising the role of various stakeholders in applying GSTC standards in Sabah. Interactive discussions encouraged participants to explore practical and collaborative approaches to enhancing sustainability across the tourism value chain. In his closing remarks, Julinus encouraged all participants to turn knowledge into action: 'We now have a clearer understanding of how sustainable tourism can drive real change for our communities and ecosystems. Let us take the GSTC standards and make them part of how we plan, operate and innovate in Sabah's tourism sector. Together, we can ensure that tourism development benefits both people and the planet.' As Sabah eyes a sustainable future, this workshop marks a critical milestone in embedding sustainability into its tourism strategy.
Korea Herald
30-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Agoda and GSTC Launch Free Digital Training Platform to Empower Hoteliers with Sustainability Skills
SINGAPORE, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda, in collaboration with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), has launched the Sustainable Tourism Academy, a free digital training platform designed to equip current and aspiring hoteliers with practical sustainability tools and knowledge. The initiative aims to address the growing demand for sustainable accommodation options from increasingly sustainability-conscious travelers while driving transformation within Asia's hotel industry. The Sustainable Tourism Academy offers localized and tailored content to tackle the unique sustainability challenges faced by the region. The platform features interactive learning exercises, case studies, assessments, and discussion boards to create an engaging and comprehensive learning experience. Learning modules focus on how to attract sustainability-minded guests and develop sustainability strategies with insights and case studies from hotels across Asia. Available in English, Vietnamese, Malay, Thai, and Indonesian, the platform ensures accessibility for a broad audience of hospitality professionals across Southeast Asia. The self-paced platform allows participants to complete training modules at their convenience, making it ideal for busy hospitality professionals. Upon successful completion, participants receive a completion certificate jointly issued by GSTC and Agoda, formally recognizing their enhanced sustainability knowledge and skills. Damien Pfirsch, Chief Commercial Officer at Agoda, shared, "Through the Sustainable Tourism Academy, Agoda and GSTC are equipping hoteliers to drive meaningful change within the industry. Agoda is committed to scaling up this initiative, and by offering this platform free of charge, we're making sustainability education accessible, practical, and impactful for everyone in the Asian hospitality sector, from kitchen staff to general managers." Randy Durband, Chief Executive Officer at Global Sustainable Tourism Council, added, "By providing free access to practical, localized sustainability training, GSTC and Agoda are empowering hoteliers to take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to making sustainability not just an aspiration, but a standard practice across the region." The training content is built around the GSTC Standard, the global standard for sustainability in travel and tourism. It covers key areas such as sustainable management, socioeconomic impacts, cultural impacts, and environmental impacts. Developed by Agoda's Sustainability Team and GSTC and its trainers, including CB Ramkumar (Vice Chair, GSTC), Mochamad Nalendra (CEO, Wise Steps Consulting), and Catherine Germier-Hamel (CEO, Destination Mekong), the content combines diverse expertise and real-world insights from leaders in the field. The platform was officially launched on Friday, 30 May, at an event in Bangkok, Thailand, which brought together over a hundred Southeast Asian hospitality professionals for in-depth conversations on emerging trends and challenges in sustainable tourism. The Sustainable Tourism Academy is free of charge and accessible to everyone, underscoring Agoda and GSTC's commitment to fostering a more sustainable future for all in travel. To explore the platform, visit
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Agoda and GSTC Launch Free Digital Training Platform to Empower Hoteliers with Sustainability Skills
SINGAPORE, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda, in collaboration with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), has launched the Sustainable Tourism Academy, a free digital training platform designed to equip current and aspiring hoteliers with practical sustainability tools and knowledge. The initiative aims to address the growing demand for sustainable accommodation options from increasingly sustainability-conscious travelers while driving transformation within Asia's hotel industry. The Sustainable Tourism Academy offers localized and tailored content to tackle the unique sustainability challenges faced by the region. The platform features interactive learning exercises, case studies, assessments, and discussion boards to create an engaging and comprehensive learning experience. Learning modules focus on how to attract sustainability-minded guests and develop sustainability strategies with insights and case studies from hotels across Asia. Available in English, Vietnamese, Malay, Thai, and Indonesian, the platform ensures accessibility for a broad audience of hospitality professionals across Southeast Asia. The self-paced platform allows participants to complete training modules at their convenience, making it ideal for busy hospitality professionals. Upon successful completion, participants receive a completion certificate jointly issued by GSTC and Agoda, formally recognizing their enhanced sustainability knowledge and skills. Damien Pfirsch, Chief Commercial Officer at Agoda, shared, "Through the Sustainable Tourism Academy, Agoda and GSTC are equipping hoteliers to drive meaningful change within the industry. Agoda is committed to scaling up this initiative, and by offering this platform free of charge, we're making sustainability education accessible, practical, and impactful for everyone in the Asian hospitality sector, from kitchen staff to general managers." Randy Durband, Chief Executive Officer at Global Sustainable Tourism Council, added, "By providing free access to practical, localized sustainability training, GSTC and Agoda are empowering hoteliers to take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to making sustainability not just an aspiration, but a standard practice across the region." The training content is built around the GSTC Standard, the global standard for sustainability in travel and tourism. It covers key areas such as sustainable management, socioeconomic impacts, cultural impacts, and environmental impacts. Developed by Agoda's Sustainability Team and GSTC and its trainers, including CB Ramkumar (Vice Chair, GSTC), Mochamad Nalendra (CEO, Wise Steps Consulting), and Catherine Germier-Hamel (CEO, Destination Mekong), the content combines diverse expertise and real-world insights from leaders in the field. The platform was officially launched on Friday, 30 May, at an event in Bangkok, Thailand, which brought together over a hundred Southeast Asian hospitality professionals for in-depth conversations on emerging trends and challenges in sustainable tourism. The Sustainable Tourism Academy is free of charge and accessible to everyone, underscoring Agoda and GSTC's commitment to fostering a more sustainable future for all in travel. To explore the platform, visit --- ENDS --- View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Agoda
