Singapore is certified as a sustainable destination

Singapore has achieved certification as a global sustainable destination.

Singapore has been certified as a sustainable destination based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)’s Destination Criteria. Certification was carried out by Vireo Srl, a GSTC-accredited certification agency based in Italy.

Singapore, the first destination to apply for the certification process on a country level, is committed to becoming a sustainable urban destination.

The GSTC Criteria are the global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, and Singapore was certified based on its performance in four pillars: sustainable management, socio-economic sustainability, cultural sustainability and environmental sustainability.

A Singapore Green Plan 2030 and the Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) Tourism Sustainability Strategy, launched in 2022, are key elements to the country’s goals.

Mr Keith Tan, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), said: “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. 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.”

Mr Randy Durband, Chief Executive Officer, Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) said, “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. We see first-hand some of their efforts to engage key subsectors 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.”

Singapore says it will strengthen its commitment under the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and Paris Agreement, forecasting that the country will achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

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