A groundbreaking initiative in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) laid the foundation for sustainable tourism certification, combining hands-on training, regional collaboration, and pilot destination assessments. Commissioned by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) and implemented by Green Destinations, this multi-phase project engaged stakeholders across six countries to develop a tailored sustainability framework aligned with global standards while addressing local priorities.
The project began with intensive capacity-building workshops in Bangkok, where participants from GMS nations explored the Green Destinations Standard, mapped regional stakeholders, and identified priority criteria through collaborative exercises. Participants co-created an adaptation of the Green Destinations Standard to the GMS context, selecting 45 mandatory criteria (e.g., waste reduction, cultural heritage protection, and community engagement) phased over three years to ensure achievable progress.
A pilot assessment in Luang Prabang, Laos, tested the framework’s applicability. A team of international and local auditors evaluated the UNESCO World Heritage Site against the criteria, consulting 30+ stakeholders across government, businesses, and communities. The assessment highlighted the need for better policy enforcement and transparent reporting—lessons that informed the final certification framework.
By combining training with real-world testing in Luang Prabang, this initiative has created a scalable model for GMS destinations to pursue certification while preserving their unique cultural and ecological assets. The next phase focuses on operationalizing the program, including auditor training and awareness campaigns—a critical step toward the region’s vision of sustainable, resilient tourism.
Note: This project was solely implemented by the Green Destinations Foundation.
Key Project Elements:
✅GD and GSTC Destination Assessment
✅Training & Capacity Building
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