Intertek Eco Check

A holistic sustainability programme to guide hotels in achieving GSTC certification demonstrating responsible operations.

Why Eco Check GSTC?

Sustainability is increasingly shaping how travellers, regulators, and investors evaluate hotels, with many relying on trusted third-party certifications for validation. However, achieving these certifications require awareness and coordinated action across operations, teams, and processes.

EcoCheck GSTC supports this process through a structured and guided approach. Recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the programme is aligned with its four key pillars:

  • Sustainability Management
  • Social and Cultural Benefits for Stakeholders
  • Cultural Heritage and Impacts
  • Environmental Benefits and Impact

 

Unlike standalone certification approaches, EcoCheck GSTC integrates training, gap assessment, and technical advisory to support implementation across hotel operations, followed by independent audit and certification. This enables properties to achieve GSTC certification and demonstrate verified sustainability performance to guests, partners, and online travel platforms..

What Is Included In Eco Check GSTC Programme

The programme begins with building internal awareness and capability, enabling hotel teams to understand the requirements of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria and their practical application across daily operations.

Our specialists assess current practices against GSTC-aligned requirements, identifying gaps and prioritising actions based on risk, impact, and feasibility.
All assessments, audit findings, and corrective actions are managed through the eCristal digital platform, allowing teams to track progress, assign tasks, and monitor sustainability performance across departments and properties

Ensuring sustainable tourism benefits local communities through economic opportunities and support for community well‑being.

Hands-on technical guidance supports implementation across key operational areas, including energy and water management, waste reduction, procurement practices, community engagement, and governance.

Our accessibility audit helps hotels evaluate their accessibility status and develop actionable plans to enhance design and services for all guests, ensuring individuals with special needs can enjoy a comfortable stay.

Following implementation, an independent third-party audit by Royal Cert International Registrars verifies performance. Properties that meet the required benchmark achieve EcoCheck GSTC certification, demonstrating credible, verifiable sustainability management.

Certified properties gain access to the GSTC Market Access Program, enabling listing on multiple Online Travel Agency (OTA) websites, including Booking.com, EcoHotels, Hotelbeds, Tablet Hotels (Michelin Guides), Hostelworld, Traveloka, MakeMyTrip, and others. This provides verified visibility to travellers seeking sustainable and responsibly managed properties

How EcoCheck GSTC Adds Value

  • Clear understanding of sustainability performance and compliance gaps
  • Structured improvement roadmap aligned with GSTC standards
  • Practical tools to monitor progress and engage operational teams
  • Portfolio-level visibility of sustainability performance
  • Stronger sustainability governance across departments
  • Improved readiness for audits, inspections, and stakeholder scrutiny
  • Enhanced reputation with guests and travel partners
  • Independent accredited verification of ESG performance
  • Protection of brand reputation and long-term asset value
  • Greater visibility on travel platforms highlighting certified properties
  • Benchmarking across a portfolio of hotels

Who EcoCheck GSTC is for

EcoCheck GSTC is designed for:

  • Hotels and resorts seeking recognised sustainability certification
  • Properties aiming to demonstrate verified sustainability performance to travellers, OTAs, and partners
  • Hotels looking to strengthen environmental, social, and governance practices, including compliance with local regulations
  • Multi-property groups requiring a structured, portfolio-wide sustainability programme

Documents & Resources

GSTC Flyer PDF
GSTC Steps Towards Certification Flyer PDF