GST: Bridging Worlds—South African Innovation, Global Impact

Legend Golf & Safari Resort, founder member of GST and part of the Entabeni Conservancy Programme, with an expansive management plan for the reserve area and the accommodation, which is audited bi-annually.

GST of South Africa,

the international

verification, certification picture

Editor's view, by PIET MARAIS

In the vibrant tapestry of South Africa's tourism sector, Go Sustainable Tourism (GST) emerges as a distinctive thread, interwoven with the fabric of global sustainability practices yet distinctly South African in its texture. GST's approach is a testament to the country's innovative spirit, offering a unique verification and certification program that aligns with international principles while deeply rooted in local values and conditions. Unlike the broader Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) framework, which sets universal standards, GST tailors its criteria to the South African context, emphasising conservation, community, customer satisfaction, and company profitability—collectively known as the 4C's.

This South African-developed program stands out for its manageable and comprehensible verification process. A team of knowledgeable and well-trained assessors conducts the assessment bi-annually. This ensures that accommodation businesses meet and often exceed a set of responsibility standards for sustainable tourism.

In comparison, Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) in South Africa operates on a similar ethos of equitable tourism but with a focus on fair wages, working conditions, and respect for human rights, culture, and the environment. While FTT is a network of tourism entities committed to fair practices, GST positions itself as a proactive contributor to sustainable tourism, with a simple yet effective audit system linked to international marketing exposure.

GST's 4C's, conservation, community, customers, and company, serve as a sustainable matrix, guiding members through a journey that begins with a questionnaire of common-sense management objectives for each 'C'. Members are empowered to set their management standards, which are then verified through a compliance audit. This process not only ensures adherence to sustainability practices but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the tourism sector. The bi-annual audits are more than a compliance check; they are a reflection of GST's commitment to sustainability and its unique contribution to South Africa's tourism landscape.

The program's emphasis on local engagement and benefit-sharing positions GST as a leader in the movement towards more responsible tourism. By focusing on the 4C's, GST ensures that the benefits of tourism are not just enjoyed by travelers but also by the local communities, the environment, and the businesses themselves. This holistic approach aligns with the GSTC's global standards while maintaining a distinct South African identity, showcasing the country's dedication to sustainable development within the global tourism industry.

In essence, GST's unique approach contributes significantly to South Africa’s sustainable tourism landscape. It recognizes its place within the broader global certification framework yet remains uniquely South African. Its manageable and easy-to-understand verification process applied bi-annually by a team of knowledgeable and well-trained assessors, ensures that members adhere to a set of responsibility standards for sustainable tourism. This South African-developed verification and certification program, aligned with international principles, not only supports the global movement towards sustainable tourism but also enhances the distinctive character of South Africa's tourism offerings.

GST's team of assessors

MORE LINKS

• https://www.gstcouncil.org/Global

• https://www.fairtradetourism.org