About the Certification Program
What is the Green Destinations Certification Program
The Green Destinations Certification Program is a destination-level certification and benchmarking program for destinations committed to sustainable tourism management and continuous improvement.
The program evaluates destination management systems, policies, and practices against recognised sustainability criteria, supported by independent auditing and impartial certification decision-making.
Green Destinations Certification operates as part of the Green Destinations ecosystem, with clearly separated functions between certification, training, storytelling, recognition, and engagement activities.
Governance and independence
Green Destinations Certification is overseen by Green Destinations Foundation, which provides governance and system stewardship while safeguarding the impartiality and credibility of certification.
Certification activities are delivered independently from:
- Training and capacity-building activities
- Storytelling and recognition initiatives (including the Top 100 Stories Competition)
- Sponsorship, partnerships, or donations
- Consultancy or preparatory support
Participation in other Green Destinations or Good Travel Institute activities does not influence certification outcomes.
What the Certification Program does
Assesses destination sustainability performance against approved reference standards
Issues certification decisions and certificates
Conducts independent conformity assessments and audits
Maintains public registers of certified destinations
Operates transparent complaints and appeals procedures
What the Certification Program does not do
Does not provide consultancy or preparatory supportgainst approved reference standards
Does not train destinations for certification
Does not promote or market destinations
Does not influence or be influenced by other Green Destinations or GTI programs
Why it exists
Green Destinations Certification Program exists to provide destinations with a credible, transparent, and internationally aligned pathway to demonstrate sustainability leadership and continuous improvement.
GSTC Accreditation
Green Destinations Certification operates as an accredited certification body for destination certification in alignment with the standards of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
GSTC accreditation confirms that Green Destinations Certification:
- Applies recognised and robust sustainability standards
- Operates impartial, independent, and transparent certification processes
- Meets international best practice for conformity assessment
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