The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has revised the GSTC Accreditation Manual for Hotel/Accommodation and Tour Operator Certification. Version 4.0, now titled the GSTC Accreditation Manual for Certification Bodies - Industry: Hotel/Accommodation and Tour Operator, was approved on November 1, 2024.

Key changes in the GSTC Accreditation Manual are summarized below:

• Accreditation Manual Structure:

The structure of the accreditation manual has been revised to include general certification process requirements in the main document. Scope-specific requirements are detailed in the relevant annexes based on the certification scope.

• Normative References:

Normative references have been updated to ensure alignment with the latest standards and practices.

• Simulation of Conformity Assessment:

A new clause has been added outlining the simulation of conformity assessments for Certification Bodies (CBs) that have not yet conducted audits for actual clients.

• Risk Assessment:

The risk assessment methodology has been revised to clarify and expand on relevant risk factors.

• Non-conformities:

Requirements related to the resolution of non-conformities have been revised.

• Auditor Qualifications:

Additional qualifications for auditors have been defined.

• Technical Review and Certification Decisions:

Updates have been implemented to the technical review process and certification decision-making procedures to facilitate operations.

• Certification Requirements and Sampling Procedures:

Changes have been made to certification requirements, including the addition of specific sampling procedures for multi-site, group, and Tour Operator (TO) certifications.

• Assessment Tools and Certification Non-conformity:

Clarity has been provided regarding requirements for assessment tools.

• Certification of Multi-site Organizations:

Certification requirements for multi-site organizations have been updated to mandate the auditing of all sites over the three-year certification cycle.

The revised Accreditation Manual v4.0 came into effect on November 1, 2024, with a one-year transition period. During this time, the new manual will be gradually integrated into the planned assessment process.

The GSTC Accreditation Manual for Certification Bodies – Industry: Hotel/Accommodation & Tour Operator version 4.1 revision, which includes minor changes and has no transition period, was published on February 10, 2025.

For more details, please visit the following link: https://www.gstc.org/gstc-accreditation-manual-for-certification-of-hotel-accommodation-to/