The GSTC 2015 Annual General Meeting was held September 10-13 in Huangshan, China. Participants from fourteen countries attended the event hosted by GSTC and the Huangshan Administrative Committee which manages the Mount Huangshan World Heritage site.
The three-day dynamic event offered workshops covering topics such as sustainable destination trends and mainstreaming sustainability, and launched the development process of a new set of GSTC Criteria designed as tools for governments at all levels and to be named “GSTC Country.”
Huang Linmu; Chair GSTC Mr. Luigi Cabrini; CEO GSTC Mr. Randy Durband.
GSTC Chair Luigi Cabrini remarked, "This year's AGM was full of synergy, high participation and endorsed the new strategic directions for the future of GSTC."
Attendees stayed in Huangshan city at the elegant Crowne Plaza Huangshan Yucheng Hotel, an IHG affiliate hotel. Attendees of the AGM included GSTC members as well as eight board members, plus other sustainable tourism experts from organizations such as EarthCheck, Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, Better Tourism Africa, National Geographic, Botswana Tourism Organization and many more.
destination management.
GSTC CEO Randy Durband presented on GSTC’s mission, current activities, and future plans; and he served as the meeting master of ceremonies.
The GSTC extends its deep appreciation to hosts, Mt. Huangshan Administrative Committee (HSAC) for displaying gracious hospitality and for advancing the work of GSTC and use of its Criteria in China. Huangshan is an important site in the culture of the Chinese nation, and that HSAC and city leaders take seriously their role in sustainable leadership in Chinese tourism.