Spirit of Big Five Foundation is pleased to announce it has joined The Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC Partnership). This coalition of 32 organizations works to foster increased understanding of sustainable tourism practices and the adoption of universal sustainable tourism principles.

With the growing trend toward sustainable tourism, including a rise in consumer demand, the travel industry is developing new programs, and governments are creating new policies to encourage sustainable practices in tourism.

GSTC was initiated by Rainforest Alliance, the United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations Foundation, and the United Nations World Tourism Organization. It launched the Sustainable Tourism Criteria at the World Conservation Congress in October 2008.  These criteria will be the minimum standard that any tourism business should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for poverty alleviation.

As a network member, the Spirit of Big Five Foundation is focusing on GSTC’s Education and Training Working Group. 

“Education is crucial to increasing awareness of the many important issues surrounding responsible travel,” said Mahen Sanghrajka, chairman of the Spirit of Big Five Foundation.

The Spirit of Big Five Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit entity, awards small grants and makes funding donations to projects and organizations that demonstrate successful and consistent outcomes while incorporating the principles of sustainable tourism. Launched in 2007, it is funded by Big Five Tours & Expeditions and the Sanghrajka family.