Preferred by Nature achieves GSTC accreditation for its certification system for sustainable travel activities
Preferred by Nature has officially received accreditation from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council for its certification system for Sustainable Travel Activities. This milestone strengthens the credibility, transparency, and global relevance of its Sustainable Travel Programme.
Accreditation by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an international benchmark for sustainable tourism, confirms that Preferred by Nature operates in line with internationally accepted requirements for certification bodies, ensuring defined levels of rigour, independence, and technical competence. “This accreditation validates the integrity and robustness of our Sustainable Travel Programme,” said Saúl Blanco Sosa, Director of the Sustainable Travel Programme, Preferred by Nature.
With this achievement, Preferred by Nature joins an exclusive group of internationally accredited certification bodies, which enhances the credibility of its certification processes.
“It reflects our commitment to ensuring that sustainability is not only addressed but independently verified through credible and globally aligned certification, “added Saul.
What the accreditation means
GSTC accreditation goes beyond alignment with sustainability criteria. It evaluates the overall competence of Preferred by Nature as a certification body, including its systems, audit processes, and decision-making frameworks. This ensures certification is delivered with transparency, impartiality, and reliability, while also strengthening alignment with global frameworks and boosting confidence in the system.
GSTC referred to Preferred by Nature joining the global network of GSTC-accredited Certification Bodies as a step that further strengthens the credibility of sustainable tourism certification.
“We are pleased to welcome Preferred by Nature to the select group of GSTC-accredited Certification Bodies,” said GSTC CEO Randy Durband. “Their tourism program has a long and proud history, and we applaud their taking this step with their certification program,” he added.
Increased value for travel and tourism businesses
In a sector with many market players, travellers often struggle to find trustworthy service providers and avoid misleading claims. In this context, certification serves as a more reliable and transparent tool to support informed decision-making.
For travel and tourism businesses, including hotels, tour operators, and destination management companies, this accreditation increases the value of certification. It enhances global recognition, supports access to responsible supply chains, and helps meet rising expectations from markets, regulators, and travellers for credible sustainability performance.
At the same time, the Preferred by Nature Standard for Sustainable Travel Activities and its certification process remain unchanged for existing certificate holders, with no additional requirements introduced as a result of accreditation.
“This milestone is not only about recognition; it’s about strengthening trust,” added Saúl. “Certification plays a critical role in ensuring that sustainability commitments are supported by credible and independently verified practices.”
Road ahead
This achievement reflects the collective efforts of Preferred by Nature’s global teams, auditors and partners, whose expertise and collaboration have been instrumental in reaching this milestone. Building on the GSTC accreditation, we will further strengthen our Sustainable Travel Programme — enhancing systems, expanding impact, and ensuring credible, transparent certification aligned with evolving global standards.
“This is just the beginning of a new chapter,” Saul concluded. “We look forward to working closely with our partners and clients to keep adding value and scale up sustainable tourism practices worldwide.”
If your organization is considering certification with global recognition, we invite you to learn more about the Preferred by Nature Sustainable Travel Programme and its certification services.
What will you gain from this?
1. Certification with expanded global acknowledgment:
Starting now, certificates issued by Preferred by Nature will feature the GSTC accreditation designation, enhancing their value and global visibility.
2. Greater access to markets:
Accreditation is required, or highly valued, by destinations, OTAs, platforms and international buyers. It opens doors to commercial opportunities and responsible supply chains.
3. Strengthened audits and processes
Accreditation confirms that Preferred by Nature’s audits are conducted with high standards of transparency, rigor and technical consistency.
4. Increased visibility on global platforms
Certified companies will integrate with platforms like BeCause, Tourism2030, and other sustainability indexes.
A dual milestone in Sustainability Assurance
Together, GSTC Recognition given to the Standard for Sustainable Travel Activities and the GSTC Accreditation granted as Certification Body provide complementary levels of assurance to Preferred by Nature’s Sustainable Travel Programme.
This dual status positions Preferred by Nature as a globally aligned certification system, enabling organizations to communicate their sustainability performance with credibility, accountability, and global comparability.
Learn more about this milestone journey here.
