The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC®) is an international authority that establishes global standards in sustainable tourism and ensures the impartiality and competence of organizations certifying according to these standards.

According to the document titled “GSTC-Certified Logo Usage Guidelines for Certified Entities (2025)” published by the GSTC, the use of the GSTC-Certified logo is subject to specific rules and the correct application of these rules is mandatory for the credibility of the certification system.

1. Who Can Use the GSTC Logo?

The GSTC-Certified logo is a logo that is granted and authorized for use only to:

• Hotels, accommodation facilities, or tour operators

• that hold a valid certificate,

• issued by a certification body accredited by the GSTC,

• according to GSTC Standards or a standard recognized by the GSTC.

Organizations whose certification process is incomplete, suspended, canceled, or expired cannot use the GSTC-Certified logo in any way.
 

2. Basic Rules Regarding Logo Use

Compliance with the following points is mandatory:

• The GSTC-Certified logo cannot be used alone; it must always appear together with the logo of the GSTC-accredited certification body that issued the certificate.

• The logo cannot be cut, recolored, have its proportions altered, or be modified in any way.

• The logo must be used on a contrasting background and at a legible size.

• The unique identification code on the logo must always be visible.

• The logo may only be used to represent the certified facility or service; it cannot be used to cover an entire group or in a manner that creates a misleading impression.

• Detailed information is available in the Logo Usage Instructions published on our website.
   

3. Misleading Use and Liability

The use of the GSTC-Certified logo:

• For non-certified facilities,

• To cover an entire group,

• By third parties without permission,

• To represent activities outside the scope of certification

is considered a misleading statement and may result in the suspension or cancellation of the relevant certificate.

4. Use for Digital and Print Materials

In case of any doubt regarding the correct usage, scope, or authorization status of the GSTC logo, it is necessary to contact Alberk QA Technic. Any use made without prior approval is considered invalid.