Hotel Sustainability Certification Programme | EcoCheck GSTC

The programme begins with building internal awareness and capability, enabling hotel teams to understand the requirements of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria and their practical application across daily operations.

Our specialists assess current practices against GSTC-aligned requirements, identifying gaps and prioritising actions based on risk, impact, and feasibility.

All assessments, audit findings, and corrective actions are managed through our eCristal digital platform, allowing teams to track progress, assign tasks, and monitor sustainability performance across departments and properties.

Hands-on technical guidance supports implementation across key operational areas, including energy and water management, waste reduction, procurement practices, community engagement, and governance.

Teams receive evaluation on their progress and ensure that sustainability improvements are effectively implemented.

Our accessibility audit helps hotels evaluate their accessibility status and develop actionable plans to enhance design and services for all guests, ensuring individuals with special needs can enjoy a comfortable stay.

Following implementation, an independent third-party audit by Royal Cert International Registrars verifies performance. Properties that meet the required benchmark achieve EcoCheck GSTC certification, demonstrating credible, verifiable sustainability management.

Certified properties gain access to the GSTC Market Access Program, enabling listing on multiple Online Travel Agency (OTA) websites, including Booking.com, EcoHotels, Hotelbeds, Tablet Hotels (Michelin Guides), Hostelworld, Traveloka, MakeMyTrip, and others. This provides verified visibility to travellers seeking sustainable and responsibly managed properties

• Clear understanding of sustainability performance and compliance gaps 
• Structured improvement roadmap aligned with GSTC standards 
• Practical tools to monitor progress and engage operational teams 
• Portfolio-level visibility of sustainability performance 

• Stronger sustainability governance across departments 
• Improved readiness for audits, inspections, and stakeholder scrutiny 
• Enhanced reputation with guests and travel partners 

• Independent accredited verification of ESG performance 
• Protection of brand reputation and long-term asset value 
• Greater visibility on travel platforms highlighting certified properties 
• Benchmarking across a portfolio of hotels 

EcoCheck GSTC programme is recognized by the the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and aligned with their 4 pillars: sustainability management; social and economic benefits for stakeholders; cultural heritage benefits and impacts; and environmental benefits and impacts.

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, the GSTC Standards, also known as the GSTC Criteria. The GSTC Destination Standard for public policy-makers and destination managers, the GSTC Hotel Standard for hotels and accommodations, the GSTC Tour Operator Standard, the GSTC MICE Standard for Venues, Event Organizers, and Events & Exhibitions, and the GSTC Attraction Standard for tourist attractions such as theme parks, museums, and national parks. These are the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation. 

The GSTC Standards form the foundation for GSTC’s assurance role for Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services but provides accreditation to those that do.  

GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGOs, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism. The GSTC is an ISEAL Community Member, a global membership organization for ambitious, collaborative, and transparent sustainability systems, as well as an Association Member of The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and an Associate Member with the Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC). 

Information for media and the press: www.gstc.org/about/for-the-press/  

RoyalCert International Registrars is an international conformity assessment body providing accredited certification, inspection, and assurance services across a wide range of management systems, sustainability, and compliance schemes. RoyalCert operates with a global presence spanning 40+ countries, supported by a network of 1,700+ qualified auditors and technical experts. 

As a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body (ACB), RoyalCert brings a strong global footprint and an international network of qualified auditors to deliver independent, consistent, and credible certification. RoyalCert’s role enables hotels to demonstrate robust alignment with the EcoCheck GSTC standard, helping them to confidently meet expectations from regulators, tour operators, investors, and the wider market. 

Read here the official press release of our cooperation. 

The timeline depends on the property size, complexity, and starting point, but the programme is designed to provide step-by-step guidance to efficiently reach certification.

Key stakeholders include sustainability or operations managers, department heads, procurement, facilities teams, and senior management to ensure all areas of operations are covered.

Yes, the programme is designed for single properties and multi-property groups, with portfolio-level monitoring and benchmarking.

Yes. The programme is available in English, Arabic, French, Spanish, Turkish, Chinese, and Portuguese, enabling global teams to participate fully.

EcoCheck GSTC is delivered globally, supporting hotels and resorts across regions to achieve consistent sustainability standards and certification.

Yes, certified properties can showcase their sustainability credentials to travellers and on Online Travel Agents (OTAs) that highlight certified hotels.

No. EcoCheck GSTC includes training and advisory support to build capacity and guide properties through each step.

All actions, assessments, and audit results are managed through our eCristal digital platform, allowing teams to monitor progress, assign tasks, and generate reports at property or portfolio level.

Yes, while it focuses on GSTC-aligned sustainability, many programme elements overlap with local and international regulations, helping hotels meet compliance requirements.

Key areas include energy and water management, waste reduction, procurement, community engagement, staff training, governance, and guest-facing sustainability practices.

Yes. EcoCheck GSTC embeds carbon management into daily operations, giving your hotel a clear, measurable, and verifiable path to net zero..