Participants in the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Sustainable Tourism Training Program represent a group of trailblazers focused on gaining practical insights on how to implement sustainability practices and establish actionable sustainable tourism policies and practices.  

The 3-day GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program, January 19-21, consisted of classroom instruction on campus on the first two days. On Saturday, January 21st, visited Carmel Vally Ranch, a luxury hotel and resort sitting on 500 acres in the Carmel Valley. During their visit, participants met with the beekeeper, wine and cheesemaker, and golf superintendent. There was also a short hike to the Hilltop Corral to visit animals. The field trip was intended to highlight efforts related to sustainability by the hospitality and tourism industry and to learn about the resort's sustainability efforts.

After completing the course, students had the opportunity to take the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Exam and receive the GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism.

A little background: In fall of 2022, Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC, visited CSUMB to explore a partnership with the Sustainable Hospitality Management (SHM) program to educate and inspire future hospitality and tourism leaders. Starting in spring 2023, the SHM program will embed the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Course in the curriculum. The course is designed to help students:

• Gain in-depth knowledge of the GSTC Criteria, the global standard for sustainability in travel and tourism
• Make informed decisions on how to implement sustainability practices for your company or destination, and
• Get ready for developing viable and actionable sustainable tourism policies and practices for your organization.

Next steps include expanding the SHM model to hospitality and tourism programs across the CSU system through the CSU Hospitality & Tourism Alliance. The Hospitality & Tourism Alliance aims to prepare skilled employees to work and succeed in the hospitality industry. Exciting times ahead!

See the post on the Sustainable Hospitality Management program’s Instagram account, @csumbshm.

For more information on this bachelor of science degree program, visit the Sustainable Hospitality Management website.