GSTC and Agoda Launch Free ‘Sustainable Tourism Academy' to Empower Hoteliers with Sustainability Skills

In a significant move toward promoting sustainable practices within the hospitality industry, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has teamed up with Agoda, the leading digital travel platform, to launch the Sustainable Tourism Academy.

The launch of this innovative training initiative comes at a time when the global hospitality sector is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices in response to growing environmental concerns. The academy aims to offer a comprehensive, region-specific curriculum tailored to address the unique sustainability challenges that hotels face, particularly in the diverse markets of Asia.

The Sustainable Tourism Academy includes several critical modules covering the four pillars of sustainable hospitality outlined by the GSTC:

Each module provides an easy-to-follow introduction to these core sustainability concepts, followed by deeper exploration into the GSTC Hotel Standard for those who wish to further their education. The platform also serves as a stepping stone for professionals who wish to continue their learning journey through other advanced GSTC programs, such as the Sustainable Tourism or Sustainable Hospitality courses.

The Sustainable Tourism Academy is designed to be user-friendly, providing a self-paced learning experience. Hotel managers and staff can take part in the course from anywhere, allowing for flexible learning schedules. The platform includes:

By completing the course, participants will gain a solid understanding of the core sustainability principles in hospitality, which can then be applied directly to their operations. This empowers hotel staff and management to implement environmentally responsible practices while also improving customer satisfaction and boosting the hotel's reputation in an increasingly competitive market.

The rise of eco-conscious travelers has placed sustainability at the forefront of the hospitality industry. With many tourists now actively seeking out environmentally responsible accommodations, hotels are under increasing pressure to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices. The Sustainable Tourism Academy offers an accessible way for hotels to meet this demand and stay ahead of industry trends.

By addressing the growing demand for sustainable tourism practices across the hospitality sector, the Sustainable Tourism Academy is helping shape the future of tourism in Southeast Asia. As the hospitality industry embraces these changes, the region is set to benefit from increased tourism revenue, stronger brand reputation for hotels, and a more environmentally responsible tourism market.

By training the next generation of hospitality leaders and hotel professionals, both companies are helping to pave the way for a more sustainable tourism industry.

The launch of the Sustainable Tourism Academy represents a landmark collaboration between GSTC and Agoda, providing much-needed training for hospitality professionals across Southeast Asia.

By offering free digital training on sustainable practices, the academy is empowering hotels to adopt sustainable management techniques, reduce environmental impacts, and better serve the increasingly eco-conscious travelers. This initiative is set to play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future for tourism, both in Asia and around the world.