1. GREEN DESTINATIONS Awards & Certification
Hugo de Jong

2. Process of Awards & Certification
Sustainable Destination Development Programme
Destination Sustainability Management System (DSMS)
Awards & Certification Programme
1. (Self-) Assessment
RESULT: <60%
2. Engage Stakeholders
3. Prioritise Aspects
4. Define: - actions; budget - planning; roles
5. Implement action plan
RESULT: >60%
Apply for Award / Certification
Independent Audit
Recognition
Start with a process of self-assessment
Marketing & Communication

3. Green Destinations Assessment
GSTC-recognised since March 2016
Ca. 100 criteria for Policy
Ca. 100 indicators for Quality & Performance
6 themes
Destination Management
Nature & Landscape
Environment & Climate
Culture & Tradition
Social Well-being
Business & Hospitality
Result:
Detailed insight in sustainability strengths & weaknesses
An agenda for improvement
Featured on GD Map
Start with a process of self-assessment

4. GD Assessment Result: <60% compliance
Assessment result: <60% compliance: Destination Development Process
Engage Stakeholders
Prioritise aspects for improvement
Develop action plan
Engage GD Advisors for support
1. (Self-) Assessment
RESULT:
<60%
2. Engage Stakeholders
3. Prioritise Aspects
Define: - actions - budget - planning - roles
5. Implement action plan
Start with a process of self-assessment

5. GD Assessment Result: >60% compliance
Awards & Certification Programme
1. (Self-) Assessment
RESULT: OK
Apply for Award / Certification
Independent Audit
Recognition
Start with a process of self-assessment
Marketing & Communication

6. Differences Award / Certification
Awards
Certification
Audit process
Sampling of supporting documentation
Full documentation and stakeholder review
Audit type
Every 2 years: desk audit
Every 4 years: on-site audit
Every 2 years: on-site audit
Compliance requirements
1 theme score >8: Bronze
2 themes score >8: Silver
3/4 themes score >8: Gold
5 themes: Platinum
100% Compliance with GD standard
GSTC Accredited verification process
Recognition
Promotion
Green Destinations Map
Partners consumer platform
Automatic nomination for Top100
Plus: promoted through GSTC promotion programme
Rating data kan worden gedeeld met consument-georiënteerde stakeholders
OTAs – bijv. BookDifferent
TOs – bijv. TUI
Travel blogs / magazines
Same process but: more tough on document / proof requirement and audit procedure

7. Promotion
Same process but: more tough on document / proof requirement and audit procedure

8. Green Destinations’ Approach
Build a network of Representatives
Operate the Programme in a defined region
Exclusive / non-exclusive representation
Train Auditors/Advisors
Support destinations to assess and improve
Audit for Awards and Certification
Contact us if you are interested to become a Green Destinations Rep., Auditor, Advisor
To get to the

9. Green Destinations Approach
Provide ‘turn key solution’ for countries and organisations
To get to the

10. Green Destinations Membership Options
Destination Development Programme
Award & Certification Programme
‘Starter’
‘Starter Plus’
Awards
Certification
Included
Access to online GD assessment & reporting system
Access to all tools and (training) resources
+ Desk verification by GD auditor
+ Desk- and on-site audit of self-assessment
+ GSTC-aligned audit process + Corrective Action Requests
Result
Basic GD Rating
Visibility on Green Destinations Map
+ recommend-dations
+ Consolidated GD rating
+ ‘Award’ status + Exposure on booking platforms
+ Auto-Top100 selection
+ ‘Certified’ status
+ Global GSTC exposure and promotion
Yearly Fee (ex VAT)
€ 350
€ 960
€ 1,500 - €5,000
> €3,000
Share for liaisons (indicative)
50%
To get to the

11. Questions & Discussion
Thank you!
More information
Award & Certification Programme
Online Assessment & Reporting System
Questions & Discussion
To get to the