GSTC Joins Global Sustainability Leaders in Poland
The GSTC at GDS-Forum & Impact Day 2026 participation brought together tourism leaders, destination managers and sustainability experts in Szczecin, Poland.
The event took place from June 16–18, 2026. The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) joined the forum, which was organized by the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) along with #MEET4IMPACT, the City of Szczecin, the Szczecin Convention Bureau, the Polish Tourism Organization and the Poland Convention Bureau.
The three-day gathering focused on destination sustainability, regeneration and collaboration across the tourism sector.
Better Together: Driving Destination Change
The forum opened on June 16 with a day focused on networking and collaboration.
Participants joined sessions on problem framing and root cause analysis. These discussions helped identify barriers affecting tourism and events. Moreover, attendees explored how collective action can create measurable improvements.
The afternoon sessions featured case studies under the theme “It Takes a Village.” These sessions allowed destination organizations to share experiences, challenges and practical solutions from across the GDS-Movement network.
GSTC Supports Destination Standard Revision
During the second day, GSTC trainer and Recognition Decision-Making Committee member Nicola Koschel led the workshop titled “Improve: GSTC Lab to Improve the New Draft of the GSTC Destination Standard.”
The workshop allowed participants to contribute directly to the revision process of the GSTC Destination Standard.
Destination representatives reviewed draft criteria, discussed implementation methods and shared feedback. As a result, the session helped strengthen the future standard and improve its practical application.
GSTC Regional Director for Europe, Dr. Ioannis Pappas, also participated in discussions throughout the event.
Building Practical Sustainability Standards
GSTC invited tourism stakeholders worldwide to contribute feedback on the revised Destination Standard.
The second public consultation remains open until July 31, 2026. The forum created an opportunity to collect ideas from destinations and sustainability professionals.
Nicola Koschel highlighted the importance of creating a standard that balances ambition with practical implementation. The goal is to ensure destinations can achieve meaningful progress while maintaining measurable and verifiable outcomes.
Dr. Ioannis Pappas also emphasized the connection between the GDS-Index and GSTC Destination Certification. Together, these initiatives help destinations move from sustainability goals toward verified long-term impact.
Celebrating Innovation and Future Partnerships
Throughout the event, participants joined additional activities, including the “Better Together” run and the GDS Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner.
These activities recognized leadership and innovation in sustainable destination management.
The event concluded on June 18 with discussions on youth engagement, financing models, sponsorship opportunities and tourism development.
Overall, the GSTC at GDS-Forum & Impact Day 2026 demonstrated how collaboration, innovation and measurable action can help shape the future of sustainable tourism.
