STEP: The Gold Standard In Eco-Certification

One of the first standards to be formally recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the innovative STEP Eco-Certification Standard is designed to help your business thoughtfully integrate sustainable practices. Applicants have the opportunity to manage their impacts and verify their efforts, while receiving recognition that helps to differentiate them in an increasingly competitive market.

Our systematic approach begins with a self-assessment, then focuses on a set of industry-standard baseline best practices. As time and resources allow, you’ll identify and implement practices that are most appropriate for your business, while monitoring your progress and refining your systems. As a result, your business can experience both immediate ROI and long-term sustainability.

STEP features sector-specific criteria for accommodations, attractions, in-bound and out-bound tour operators, and transportation providers.

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Why STEP?

There are a number of certification programs out there? Why choose STEP?

• Incremental Approach: We provide you with the tools necessary to succeed at your own pace, achieving higher levels of certification over time.
• Management Tools:  The STEP Sustainability Toolkit gives you the management tools you need to assess your operations, identify industry best practices, and emphasize positive returns
• Participatory and Collaborative: At each level you’ll be asked to gather input from your staff, guests, and community.
• Triple Bottom Line: STEP includes environmental, social and economic best practices to improve your bottom line and increase market strength.
• Return On Investment: Businesses that integrate aspects of the standard into their management plans realize cost savings through resource efficiencies, lower operating costs, and supply chain optimization.
• Adaptability: Perfect for newcomers and seasoned sustainability experts in all sectors of the travel and tourism industry. STEP helps you identify and prioritize the right areas for your business.
• Flexibility: Submit your own criteria for approval if you do good work in areas not already covered by the program.
• Accessibility:  STEP is an international standard available in multiple languages, and works well for businesses of all sizes, across all sectors of the travel and tourism industry.
• Advisory Services:  Sustainable Travel International is staffed with global experts in the fields of sustainability planning and eco-certification.
• Marketing Benefits: Work with the Sustainable Travel International team to develop your online Sustainability Profile and communicate your efforts to current and future visitors.