GSTC Has Published the Accreditation Manual for Certification Bodies v5.0
New Accreditation Requirements for Hotel/Accommodation, Tour Operator, MICE and Attraction Certification Activities
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has published the GSTC Accreditation Manual for Certification Bodies – Industry, Version 5.0 (March 2026), which includes hotel/accommodation and tour operator certification as well as MICE and Attraction scopes.
The new version, approved on 1 March 2026 and effective as of 5 March 2026, replaces the previous v4.1 version. According to the official announcement published by GSTC, the revision aims to expand certification scopes, clarify the conformity assessment approach and improve audit practices.
Key Changes in Version 5.0 of the Manual
1. Addition of MICE and Attraction certification scopes
With the new version, accreditation requirements and scope-specific provisions for the certification of meetings, incentive travel, conventions and events (MICE) and tourist attractions have been added to the manual.
2. Indicator-based conformity verification
In certification assessments carried out according to GSTC standards, verification of conformity with applicable indicators has been adopted as the basis. This approach aims to ensure that assessments are conducted more systematically and that audit results can be monitored through the relevant indicators.
3. Clarification of audit practices
The provisions regarding the determination of audit duration and the conduct of surveillance audits have been clarified. Explanations regarding audit practices in single-site and multi-site certification structures are also within the scope of the revision.
4. Update of auditor competence requirements
Auditor qualifications and competence requirements have been clarified and expanded, taking into account the characteristics of the new certification scopes.
5. Improvement of document structure and wording
Adjustments have been made throughout the manual with regard to terminology, cross-references and document structure. The aim is to support clearer and more consistent implementation of the requirements.
Effective Date and Transition Process
According to the Transition Requirements for the GSTC Accreditation Manual for Certification Bodies – Industry Version 5.0 document published by GSTC, a six-month period has been set for the transition to the new version.
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Effective date: 5 March 2026
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End of the transition period: 5 September 2026
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After the transition: Accreditation assessments must be conducted based on v5.0; the relevant documentation, procedures and certification templates must be compliant with the new version.
Upon the expiry of the transition period, v5.0 must be taken as the basis in the relevant accreditation assessments.
Separate Transition Process for Hotel and Tour Operator Certification
The transition of the accreditation manual within the scope of GSTC Accreditation Manual v5.0 and the transition process for the implementation of the GSTC Hotel Standard and GSTC Tour Operator Standard v4.0 versions are separate from each other.
According to GSTC's statement, a separate three-year transition period has been envisaged for hotel and tour operator certifications for the transition from the previous criteria-based audit structure to the indicator-based audit approach. The methods that can be applied during the transition period in the audits of currently certified organizations are explained in GSTC's relevant transition planning guidance.
Therefore, it is important for certification bodies to evaluate the accreditation manual transition and the transition regarding the implementation of the standards separately.
Please visit the links below for a detailed review of the manual and the transition requirements:
1. GSTC Accreditation Manual v5.0
Accreditation Manual v5.0 – PDF
2. GSTC's official announcement regarding the publication of v5.0
GSTC Publishes Revised GSTC Accreditation Manual v5.0 for Certification Bodies – Industry
3. GSTC v5.0 transition requirements
4. GSTC accreditation documents and revision history
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