Sustainability Interview

Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your involvement in Sustainability and what have been your expectations? What motivates you and what are your future goals as CEO of the GSTC?

Sustainability has been an important part of my life from the time I was a student. I had the good fortune of being a part of Youth 92, the group that designed the youth commitment to Rio 92. My experience there set the path for the rest of my career. For the first time I really understood what we had inherited from past generations and it was truly up to my generation to take the lead.

Since then I have dedicated my career to issues of Sustainability, both in the public and private sectors.

In my late teens, my motivation came from my love for nature.  At the age of 30, after travelling and working with less privileged rural communities, my motivation was to make certain that all had equal access to basic human rights.      

Now, it is to ensure my children and all children have a safe, healthy place to live, surrounded by the natural beauty that past generations have enjoyed.

As I’ve continued my work, my expectations have changed. During more trying times I find myself questioning whether we will be able tackle these complex and serious issues in the little time we have. Nevertheless, my goals and dreams remain the same and my commitment to do everything I can to power this change never waivers.

At the GSTC, we use the Millennium Development Goals as the parameter to guide our mission. It is my goal that the organisation we built for our members is focused on securing the well being of the destinations, their natural resources and a better livelihood for the local people.

Sustainable Tourism can be achieved; all we need is guidance on how to get there. Who better than our experienced peers to help us through the process? If we achieve Sustainable Tourism, we will be, as an industry, the main contributors to achieving the Millennium Development Goals, particularly alleviation of poverty and securing a better environment.

What is your definition of Sustainability in Tourism?

There are too many definitions of Sustainable Tourism out there to add a new one. At the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, we found the most comprehensive to be the UNWTO’s definition:

‘Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.’

This definition presents Sustainability from its three main pillars: environmental, socio-economic, and cultural. It also defines the necessary balance between the pillars to secure Sustainability in the long run.

However, we have found that, rather than trying to define Sustainability, it is more useful to have a global agreement on what Sustainability means in practice and to create guidance around that agreement. With that vision, the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria were created to provide guidelines to implement Sustainable Tourism. Beginning in 2007, a coalition of 27 organisations came together to develop the Criteria. The coalition reached out to nearly 100,000 tourism stakeholders, analysed more than 4,500 criteria from more than 60 existing certification and other voluntary sets of criteria, and received comments from over 1500 individuals. The Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria were developed in accordance with the ISEAL Code of Best Practice, and as such, will undergo consultation and receive input every two years until feedback is no longer provided or unique. The Criteria were announced at the World Conservation Union (IUCN) World Congress in October 2008 in Barcelona.

Do you think that Sustainability is a unique selling point? If so, why?

Yes, absolutely. Businesses that adopt the principles of Sustainability are taking positive steps toward protecting the planet, supporting local communities economically and protecting cultural heritage. At the same time, they are ensuring that their operations and business practices are best in class, ensuring their continued financial success. Travellers who choose to do business with sustainable companies can feel secure in their purchasing decisions and know that their company of choice will make the right decisions that align with the traveller’s personal beliefs and ethics.

What does Hostelling International mean to you?

Hostelling International opens the world to people of all ages and all economic means. HI provides a melting pot for safe, open and productive exchange between cultures, ethnicities and generations. Ideas are shared, friends are made and misconceptions are corrected. I see Hostelling International as an important space for the principles of sustainable travel to continue to grow, especially with our world’s youth, who will be the leaders of tomorrow.

What, in your experience, would be/are the main benefits of working towards Sustainability for HI? And the obstacles? 

As noted before, businesses that embrace Sustainability are making a pledge to operate their business in an ethical, responsible manner. As HI continues to work toward Sustainability, it is strengthening its foundation and providing a framework for future growth. It will also help HI manage its relationships with member properties, so that only the best products are made available to hostellers. The largest obstacle for most businesses is simply getting started. Moving toward Sustainability can seem daunting, but once a business begins their work, many find the transition much easier than they had imagined.

In your opinion, what are the main benefits of the partnership between HI and the GSTC? 

The GSTC Criteria provide a universal baseline for Sustainability in the tourism space. By partnering with the GSTC, HI actively demonstrates its commitment to Sustainability and puts the organisation in good company with other global organisations who share the same principles. As a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, HI will have influence over the development of the organisation through participation. HI will also have access to a global network of potential partners who can help HI further its stated mission.

What would be your recommendations for organisations or hostels who have yet to start working with Sustainability? Could you recommend any effective and inexpensive actions to start with? 

Just dive in! The Criteria were created as an ‘open source’, so that anyone can use them. The first step is to review the 37 Criteria and indicators that can be found here. Many companies will realise that they are already meeting many of the Criteria. Companies can then create a strategic roadmap based on the Criteria that will bring them closer to full compliance. If a company is ready to go a step further, they can become a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council for a nominal fee (based on revenues) and can then have access to a self-assessment tool that will more clearly define their current compliance level. The self-assessment tool is very detailed and will provide concrete steps that any organisation can take. Membership also provides access to information and training tools that will help an organisation adopt the criteria.

Finally, would you like to share any additional comments with HI and its members?

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council is honoured to have HI as a member. The mission of HI is nicely aligned with the mission of the GSTC. Education of our youth is the key to furthering the principles of Sustainability and HI is in the perfect position to do so. We wish HI great success in the coming years and look forward to continuing our partnership.