Berlin joins GSTC, underlines sustainability drive

Berlin has joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an organisation aimed to establish and manage global standards for travel and tourism. In joining the GSTC, visitBerlin, Berlin’s official tourism organisation, is demonstrating its intent to develop Berlin’s image as a green and sustainable city. Burkhard Kieker, CEO of visitBerlin, commented: “Our membership of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council fits perfectly with our commitment to sustainability for our city and our partners – and gives it an international profile. For some years, visitBerlin has already integrated ecological and social sustainability into its remit – and we need to address these topics to ensure Berlin can remain liveable in future and retain its appeal for our guests.” In 2019, the Berlin Convention Office of visitBerlin launched Sustainable Meetings Berlin dedicated to sustainable event planning in Berlin’s congress and meetings sector. And visitBerlin’s e-learning platform TourismusHub offers various workshops dealing with aspects of sustainability, resilience, and transformation. visitBerlin has also appointed a sustainability officer to support their sustainability strategy. Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC, said: “As an important city in global tourism and in the life of Germany and all of Europe, Berlin’s commitment to sustainable tourism development would not only influence Berlin’s tourism industry but inspire other European cities to do the same.” For more details visit here. Image: Elevated railway in Berlin, Prenzlauer Berg. Copyright visitBerlin. Photo: Dagmar Schwelle