Green Globe Certification has today launched its latest update to the Green Globe Standard for sustainable operation and management. The Green Globe International Advisory Group, which brings together the knowledge of travel and tourism professionals, as well as environmental experts, has overseen the latest review process.

Updates occur twice per calendar year, and this midyear update has focused on aligning the Green Globe Standard with the internationally-recognized Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC).

GreenGlobe CEO, Mr. Guido Bauer said: “Certification of sustainable operation and management has become vitally important for tourism businesses around the world. It is important that Green Globe continuously maintains the relevance of its Standard, while also connecting to the key sustainability criteria recognized by international initiatives such as the GSTC.”

The Green Globe Standard is a collection of 337 compliance indicators applied to 41 individual sustainability criteria. The applicable indicators vary by type of certification and geographical area, as well as local factors. The Green Globe Standard is based on international standards and agreements, including:

• Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria

• Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism Criteria (STC Partnership)

• Baseline Criteria of the Sustainable Tourism Certification Network of the Americas

• Agenda 21 and principles for Sustainable Development endorsed by 182 Governments at the United Nations Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992

• ISO 9001 / 14001 / 19011 (International Standard Organization)

Green Globe Certification CEO, Mr. Guido Bauer said: “The work of our International Advisory Group should be commended. The updated Standard provides great assurance to all Green Globe certified businesses that they are performing to the highest international Standard for sustainability.”

The Green Globe certification program is a structured assessment of the sustainability performance of travel and tourism businesses and their supply chain partners. Businesses monitor improvements and document achievements leading to certification of their enterprises.

Green Globe relies on independent audits of all businesses seeking certified status. Green Globe has drawn on ISO 19011:2002 in the development of its audit program. Training for environmental professionals interested in auditing to the Green Globe Standard is available at the Green Globe University.