The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) establishes and manages global sustainable standards with the aim of increasing sustainable tourism knowledge and practices among public and private stakeholers. All of our programs and activities work toward this central mission. The GSTC is independent and neutral, serving the important role of managing its global baseline standards for sustainability in travel and tourism. It is mostly a volunteer organization, consisting of experts in sustainable tourism and supported by organizations and individuals with a passion for ensuring that meaningful standards are available globally for sustainability in travel and tourism. Financial support from donations, sponsorship, and membership fees are critical to our own sustainability.