Destinations
“STEP is among the first eco-certification program to align itself with the GSTC, which ensures long-term viability for STEP… we value the input we receive from STI and consider them to be a valuable resource in the development of meaningful eco-certification programs worldwide.”
—Erika Harms, Executive Director of the Tourism Sustainability Council (TSC) and Senior Advisor on Tourism at the United Nations Foundation
STI’s Sustainable Tourism Eco-Certification Program™ (STEP) is the world's first comprehensive, global sustainable tourism eco-certification program offered by a non-profit organization, which is aligned with the minimum baseline Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GTSC) and impending global accreditation.
STEP can be endorsed by or customized for destinations to address their unique social, cultural, environmental and economic attributes, as well as regional goals and priorities. STEP can also be private labeled and licensed to Ministries of Tourism, destination management organizations, and non-governmental organizations, helping them to save significant resources in developing their own tourism standard, verification protocol, and education and training programs for local businesses, auditors and consultants. Furthermore, STEP offers access to STI’s international brand, market access, and access to the most comprehensive sustainable tourism certification program in the marketplace.
STI specializes in developing sustainable tourism standards for destinations as well. In addition, verification services and auditor and consultant training services are available.
For more information on STI's standards development, certification and verification services, please contact Brian T. Mullis, STI CEO via email or call +503-488-5500.
