Latest news with #GSTC
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
Korea Herald
16-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Singapore EXPO is pioneer awardee of Platinum Certification for MICE Sustainability, setting a new industry benchmark
SINGAPORE, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore EXPO, managed by Constellar, has become a pioneer awardee of the prestigious Platinum Certification under the MICE Sustainability Certification (MSC) framework developed by the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS). This certification at the Platinum level has attained Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Recognised status, aligning with the GSTC MICE Criteria Version 1.0 supported by Singapore Tourism Board (STB) with Singapore EXPO being part of the Early Adopter Program of the GSTC MICE Criteria. The MSC rewards excellence in event sustainability across environmental, social, and governance pillars. The Platinum certification, introduced in November 2024, represents the highest tier of sustainability recognition through a rigorous evaluation of the sustainability practices of venues and event organisers against global standards. This recognition underscores Singapore EXPO's commitment to being a leading venue in spearheading sustainability in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry and its leadership in sustainable operations. Raising the Bar in Sustainability Excellence From clean energy and smart buildings to zero-waste solutions and responsible food practices, Singapore EXPO's sustainability journey across 26 years reflects its core values of innovation, collaboration, and community engagement. Key achievements and best practices include transitioning to renewable energy sources, the implementation of advanced waste management systems, and adopting energy-efficient technologies. "Exhibitions bring global communities together, fostering new connections, ideas, businesses, and partnerships that can shape the future. Constellar has a unique opportunity and responsibility to be a force for good, driving collaboration and galvanising collective action for sustainable growth and positive impact." said Chua Wee Phong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Constellar. In the past 25 years, Singapore EXPO has hosted over 100 million visitors and approximately 12,000 events. It hosted about 400 events last year. He added: "Being a sustainable venue is a key differentiator for events and can significantly scale impact across the industry. Singapore EXPO is proud to continue pioneering continuous innovation in sustainable venue operations and fostering active collaboration with partners across the MICE industry, as Asia's Most Sustainable MICE Venue powered by renewable energy." Pioneering a Green Future for Events With this certification, Singapore EXPO reaffirms its commitment to being a hub for sustainable innovation. As the global MICE industry continues to evolve, the venue remains steadfast in its mission to provide world-class facilities while prioritising environmental stewardship and social responsibility. "Congratulations to Constellar on achieving the Platinum tier under the Singapore MICE Sustainability Certification (MSC)," said Richard Ireland, President, SACEOS. "This is the highest accolade that sets a new benchmark for the industry—paving the way for deeper sustainability integration and elevating best practices across the MICE landscape. We commend Constellar's continued commitment to raising the bar and shaping a more responsible, future-ready industry. I hope this milestone encourages more organisations to embark on their own sustainability journey and collectively uplift the standards of excellence in our industry." Looking ahead, Singapore EXPO continues to contribute to Singapore's Green Plan 2030 by expanding renewable energy sources, enhancing green infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism. In particular, the installation of additional solar panels before the end of the year will enable power 75% of Singapore EXPO's overall consumption to be powered by renewable energy, as well as a corresponding 75% reduction of Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2025, when compared to pre-COVID baselines. Learn more about Singapore EXPO's sustainability initiatives and how it's Going Green here. Home to some of the greatest leading events in the world, Singapore EXPO is the country's largest purpose-built meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) venue. We are your playground of possibilities, where ideas collide, business leaders unite and connections flow. With interconnected event spaces spanning 10 halls and 32 meeting rooms across 123,000 sqm, indoors to outdoors, our versatile venue is ready for events of any proportions. As a trusted venue partner with over twenty years of exhibition and event experience, Singapore EXPO challenges the norm and pioneers ground-breaking solutions that elevate your event experience to greater heights. Visit for more information. About Constellar Constellar is Asia's preferred partner for convening businesses, curating ideas and creating opportunities for sustainable business growth and global impact. Based in Singapore with a regional footprint in China and Malaysia, we curate and develop influential trade and consumer events for key industries, connecting global marketplaces in sectors such as fintech, industrial transformation and ESG. We also manage the Singapore EXPO, Singapore's largest purpose-built venue for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE). Our vision is to be a global leader made in Asia, activating impactful networks to enable cross-industry collaboration and innovation through our holistic portfolio of intellectual properties in the MICE industry. Visit for more information.
