QualStar, hotels can achieve the same globally trusted certification at a fraction of the cost
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), that sets and manages worldwide standards for sustainable travel and tourism, has finally arrived in India, offering hotels a locally accessible and cost-effective pathway to global recognition.
This landmark move, enabled by a strategic partnership between United Certification Systems Limited (UCSL), a GSTC-accredited body, and QualStar, India’s leading hotel certification expert, that eliminates the need for expensive international audits, making it easier for Indian hotels to align with global sustainability standards. A hotel certified in India, Japan, or the United States is measured against the exact same parameters, providing unmatched credibility with travellers, corporations, and governments worldwide.
In a press statement QualStar says that until now, Indian hotels seeking GSTC certification had to invite auditors from oversea, an expensive process that required international travel, accommodation, and related expenses. With trained, globally approved auditors now available in India. QualStar, hotels can achieve the same globally trusted certification at a fraction of the cost.
According to the statement, GSTC was established through a United Nations-led initiative to create a unified, global standard for sustainable tourism. This means a hotel certified in India is held to the exact same rigorous parameters as one in Singapore, Türkiye or the United States. This consistency provides unparalleled credibility with global travellers, tour operators, and corporate clients who are increasingly prioritising ethical and sustainable choices. The certification covers four key pillars of sustainable tourism, sustainable management, socio-economic impacts, cultural impacts and environmental impacts.
By meeting these criteria, certified hotels not only reduce their environmental footprint but also enhance their brand reputation and marketability on a global scale. This is especially relevant in a world where countries like Singapore and Türkiye have already made GSTC certification mandatory for their hotel sectors, statement adds.
According to the statement, this milestone has been enabled by a strategic partnership between United Certification Systems Limited (UCSL), one of the first GSTC-accredited certification bodies, and QualStar. As UCSL’s authorised partner, QualStar will conduct GSTC certification audits across India, with full oversight from UCSL to ensure international integrity and rigor.
“Through our partnership with QualStar, we can ensure that GSTC Certification remains rigorous, impartial, and internationally credible, while also becoming more accessible and relevant to the Indian markek,” says Olga Shuvalova, CEO UCSL.
“We are proud to collaborate with UCSL as their authorised partner in India. This allows us to combine UCSL’s global credibility with our local expertise, ensuring sustainability audits that are both internationally recognised and deeply relevant to Indian hotels,” says Subha Bhaskar, COO of QualStar.