About GSTBLOG - Invest Local, Impact Global
Sustainable tourism is a vital approach in today’s world, where striking a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation is crucial. The Go Sustainable Tourism (GST) initiative offers a comprehensive management method for entrepreneurs in the tourism stay industry, with a strong focus on sustainability as a core value.
Likewise, communication serves as the lifeblood of GST, and this is where the GSTBLOG comes into play. It fosters a community where ideas flow freely, stakeholders are kept informed, and creates forums for them to collaborate.
On the GSTBLOG, you will find regular interactions and informative sessions covering the GST concept and other issues related to sustainable tourism.
The GSTBLOG plays a crucial role in engaging stakeholders, from local communities to international partners, in the GST commitment to a better, more responsible way of interacting with the world.
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MORE ABOUT GO SUSTAINABLE TOURISM (GST) THE MANAGEMENT METHOD AND AUDIT...
The method developed by Go Sustainable Tourism (GST) is structured around four key pillars: conservation, community, customer, and company, ensuring that each aspect of the business contributes positively to the overall goal of sustainability.
The conservation leg emphasizes the ethical use of local natural and cultural resources, advocating for practices that protect and enhance these assets for future generations. The community leg involves local people in the management process, fostering a sense of ownership and ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared among all stakeholders. The customer leg provides guidelines for targeting and servicing a market that values sustainable practices, while the company leg focuses on maintaining profitability within this ethical framework.
GST creates a balanced approach to managing a tourism business by integrating these four pillars. Entrepreneurs should use the questionnaire as a management tool to set their standards. This questionnaire serves as a valid measurement to ensure that management remains aligned with the principles of a sustainable tourism business. The process is supported by an internationally recognised verification audit method, which not only verifies the standards but also rewards compliance with certification and reports that can be used for marketing.
The GST model is a reflection of the broader principles of sustainable development, as defined by the *UN's Brundtland Commission, which seeks to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
In practice, this means operating a profitable business that harmonises with the local (place) natural and cultural environment, as well as the community, turning them into permanent beneficiaries rather than resources to be exploited.
In the context of the global economy, where the pursuit of maximum profit often overshadows ethical considerations, the GST approach stands out as a beacon of hope. It acknowledges the growing disparities between the rich and the poor, the threats to our raw materials and energy sources, and the overwhelming challenge of pollution. By adopting the GST management method, businesses in the tourism industry can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future, where economic activities do not come at the expense of our planet or its inhabitants. The GST initiative, therefore, represents not just a business model, but a commitment to a better, more responsible way of engaging with the world.
*The Brundtland Commission, established in 1983 by the UN and chaired by Gro Harlem Brundtland, aimed to unite countries pursuing sustainable development.
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About our strapline:
'Invest Local, Impact Global'
The phrase “Invest Local, Impact Global", coined by our correspondent, SELWYN ROUP, reflects the concept of impact investing, which aims to generate positive social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns. (Read Meet the Team at the bottom of this page).
Here’s how we break it down:
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Impact Investing: This approach involves deploying capital to create a measurable positive impact beyond financial gains. Investors actively seek opportunities that align with their values and contribute to sustainable development.
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Local (Place) Focus: “Invest Local” emphasises directing investments toward local communities, businesses, and projects. By supporting local initiatives, investors can address specific needs, promote economic growth, and foster social well-being.
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Global Impact: The second part, “Impact Global,” highlights the ripple effect of local investments. When local efforts succeed, they can lead to broader positive outcomes on a global scale. For instance:
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Economic Growth: A thriving local business can create jobs, boost local economies, and promote global economic stability.
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Environmental Stewardship: Investing in renewable energy or conservation efforts locally can have far-reaching effects on global climate change.
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Social Equity: Supporting education, healthcare, or community development at the local level contributes to a more equitable world overall.
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Strapline vs. Slogan:
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Strapline: Often used in marketing, a strapline succinctly conveys a brand’s essence or value proposition. “Invest Local, Impact Global” could serve as a strapline for an impact investment firm or organization.
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Slogan: A slogan is a memorable phrase associated with a cause, product, or movement. In this case, the phrase could be a powerful slogan for promoting impact investing globally.
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Remember that the impact investing landscape involves diverse strategies, asset classes, and stakeholders. The phrase captures the essence of aligning financial decisions with positive change, both locally and globally.
LET'S EXPLORE GO SUSTAINABLE TOURISM (GST) AND ITS ROLE IN SOUTH AFRICAN CERTIFICATION OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM STAYS IN THE GLOBAL VERIFICATION CONTEXT
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Go Sustainable Tourism (GST):
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GST is a South African tourism verification audit that certifies unique, pro-active contributions to sustainable tourism.
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The GST management method focuses on four equitable legs:
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Conservation: Ethical utilization of local natural and cultural resources.
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Community: Involvement of locals in management.
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Customer: Guidelines for the visitor target market.
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Company: Ensuring the profitability of the business.
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Entrepreneurs manage their businesses according to their own standards, and the management objectives are annually tested for validity.
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An assessor verifies the management standards using an internationally accepted audit format to certify the business’s contribution to sustainability.
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Verification audits occur every second year, and GST members receive a certificate, a confidential report, and a public report that can be used for marketing1.
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Global Context:
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While GST is specific to South Africa, it aligns with global efforts toward sustainable tourism.
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By emphasizing the 4C Management Method (Conservation, Community, Customer, Company), GST encourages businesses to operate in harmony with local environments, communities, cultures, and visitors, making them permanent beneficiaries1.
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Meet the Team
Discover the passionate individuals behind Go Sustainable Tourism Blog. Get to know our dedicated writers who are committed to sharing insightful content on sustainable travel practices. Each member brings a unique perspective and expertise to our platform, ensuring that you receive valuable and engaging information. From eco-conscious travel tips to destination spotlights, our team is here to inspire and educate you on how to explore the world responsibly. Join us on this journey towards a more sustainable and ethical approach to tourism.
Niël du Toit, the publisher, is the founder of GST, a management method for tourism entrepreneurs focused on managing tourism stays in the direction of sustainability. GST emphasises local investment, effective management, and avoiding “greenwashing” through verification audits. It aligns business management with the entrepreneur’s higher purpose. Additionally, GST uses questions as management objectives, which contributes to it being a proactive management method.
Raised in an entrepreneurial home with community-minded parents, Niël completed his schooling in Ceres, Western Cape, and studied natural sciences, becoming a secondary school teacher. He later advanced to Head of the Department of Education at a Teacher’s Training College. After business school, he ventured into tourism, including coach charter services, a destination management company, and restoring a heritage site into guest accommodation.
All content on this page and in the FAQs centers on his GST management method.
Piet Marais is a veteran journalist and systems editor. He started reporting at Paul Roos Gymnasium's school paper in 1967 and has never stopped since. He has traveled extensively and was involved in several start-ups, including websites and portals in SA and the PRC (Full CV on Linkedin)
Anne Kruger is an experienced journalist, subeditor and editor. She was reporter for a daily newspaper and a community newspaper, where she served as editor for 28 years.
A Visionary for Sustainable Communities, SELWYN ROUP, a resident of Hopefield in the Western Cape, South Africa, is a passionate advocate for urban renewal and rural community revival. His work spans strategic capacity-building through regional infrastructure development, particularly in the Berg River Economic Development Corridor. Selwyn’s dedication to the Water-Energy-Food nexus and tourism marketing reflects his belief in a balanced, spiritually enriched life.With a rich background as a poet, copywriter, and editor, Selwyn has contributed significantly to various publications, including Sports Star weekly and Fishing Industry News. His interests in music, art, science, and innovation drive his holistic approach to community development. Join us in celebrating Selwyn’s contributions to sustainable tourism and community empowerment.