As part of EXO’s continued commitment to responsible travel, we are sponsoring 12 team members from various destinations to complete the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) training.
This opportunity allowed our staff to deepen their knowledge of sustainable tourism and align with global best practices.
The first cohort, which took place from August to September 2024, has already seen six staff members earn their certificates.
The second cohort of EXO Travel staff is scheduled to complete their training in November and December of this year, and we are excited to see their new insights and knowledge contribute to our mission of sustainable tourism moving forward.
‘The GSTC course helped me understand sustainable tourism principles better, which I believe will enhance my ability to integrate these practices into our projects in Vietnam,’ explains recent participant Trang Dao, EXO Vietnam Sustainability Coordinator.
Read on to learn more.
‘Up until now, my understanding had been somewhat vague, but the criteria has clarified everything and made it much easier to explain and share information with colleagues and stakeholders’.
Why GSTC Training Matters to EXO Travel
GSTC sets the global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, providing a minimum set of criteria that all tourism businesses should aim to achieve. By sponsoring our team to undergo this intensive training, we are investing in the future of responsible travel.
Our goal is to elevate the skills of our staff, enhance their expertise and further integrate sustainability into our daily operations. This training will ultimately help us continue to offer sustainability-focused tours that provide richer, more conscious guest experiences.
Kaori Ikeda, EXO Japan Regional Product Development Executive, shares her experience. ‘Up until now, my understanding had been somewhat vague, but the criteria has clarified everything and made it much easier to explain and share information with colleagues and stakeholders’.
‘The lessons can be adapted to the diverse contexts we work in, and this course has strengthened my ability to contribute to sustainable tourism development across our destinations’
What the Training Entails
The GSTC training is a comprehensive five-week course that includes live sessions, group workshops, video lessons, reading material, and a forum where participants can exchange ideas with others.
At the end of the course, participants must pass an exam to receive the ‘Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism,’ an official recognition from GSTC.
As our certified staff members implement their newfound expertise, EXO Travel’s dedication to sustainable tourism will only strengthen, benefiting our clients, communities, and the environment.
‘As part of the EXO Foundation, where we support local grassroots organisations, the knowledge I gained from the GSTC course is invaluable to my work. The lessons can be adapted to the diverse contexts we work in, and this course has strengthened my ability to contribute to sustainable tourism development across our destinations’, Thant Sin Oo, EXO Foundation Coordinator.
EXO Travel has been a proud member of Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) since 2022, joining a global community contributing to the work of GSTC in promoting the widespread adoption of universal sustainable tourism principles.
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