Overview of the global sustainable tourism council standards and suggested indicators for tourism and hospitality

Abstract

In the context of rapid growth in the tourism industry and increasing attention to sustainability issues, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards have become an essential benchmark for the hospitality sector worldwide. As Ukraine moves toward integration into the global tourism market, adopting the Global Sustainable Tourism Council standards is crucial for maintaining environmental, social, and economic sustainability within the industry. The subject of the study is the Global Sustainable Tourism Council standards and indicators of sustainable tourism and hospitality development. The purpose of the article is to analyze international standards and indicators of sustainable tourism and hospitality development, particularly the criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and to determine their significance for the Ukrainian tourism and hospitality industry development. The objectives of the study are: to analyze the structure and content of international standards and indicators for sustainable tourism and hospitality development, with a focus on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria; to determine the significance and practical implications of applying GSTC standards for enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the Ukrainian tourism and hospitality industry. Research methods: generalization and systematization (to identify groups of criteria and indicators of sustainable development in the tourism and hospitality industry); systemic and comprehensive analysis (to determine the importance of applying global sustainable tourism council standards for the Ukrainian tourism and hospitality industry development); graphical method (for visual representation of theoretical material). Results. A comprehensive review of the standards and recommended indicators of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) for tourism and hospitality has been carried out, with a focus on their structure and key thematic areas. A detailed analysis of the four main blocks of GSTC criteria – effective sustainable management, socio-economic benefits, cultural heritage preservation, and environmental protection – has been conducted. The review demonstrates how these standards align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and serve as a universal basis for assessing the sustainability of tourism enterprises and destinations. The necessity of applying GSTC criteria for the Ukrainian tourism and hospitality industry has been substantiated, emphasizing their role in enhancing competitiveness and sustainability. The strategic importance of these standards for post-crisis recovery, shaping a positive image of Ukraine as a sustainable tourism destination, and ensuring long-term resilience through responsible practices has been highlighted.