Singapore Guide: Global destination sustainability certification

Singapore has become the world’s first country to be certified as a sustainable destination based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s Destination Criteria (GSTC).

The tiny city-state’s certification was based on its performance in four pillars: sustainable management, social-economic sustainability, cultural sustainability and environmental sustainability.

“We are proud to receive this certification, which reflects Singapore’s commitment to the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and becoming a ‘city in nature’, where large experiences come with a small footprint,” Singapore Tourism Board chief executive Kieth Tan said.

“Being certified is just the beginning of our journey. Tourism businesses must do more to internalise sustainability as part of their offerings, so that they can contribute to making Singapore greener and more liveable. Our vision is to become one of the world’s most sustainable urban destinations and we now know we are on the right track.”

Singapore’s certification follows similar achievements by key tourism partners such as Sentosa Development Corporation, Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands Singapore, which had also achieved certification based on the relevant GSTC Criteria.

“The commitment from Singapore’s tourism sector to support their national Singapore Green Plan 2030 is apparent based on their holistic approach to sustainable tourism,” GSTC CEO Randy Durban said.

“We see firsthand some of their efforts to engage key sub-sectors of tourism in meaningful ways. Gaining destination certification requires that level of commitment and holistic approach. We commend them and are pleased to support their efforts for continuous improvement.”