GSTC2025 in Fiji explores solutions for sustainable tourism

The Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC2025) took place from August 5 to 8 at the Sheraton in Denarau, Fiji with 350 delegates from more than 40 countries.

 

The event brought together tourism professionals, destination representatives, academics, and sustainability experts from around the world to discuss key challenges and solutions in advancing sustainable tourism practices.

 

Set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic island destinations, the conference emphasised the importance of sustainable travel and destination stewardship, particularly in coastal and island contexts.

 

The event began with a two-day intensive pre-conference training on Sustainable Tourism, held on August 3 and 4, where participants engaged in in-depth learning and dialogue.

 

On August 5, the III GSTC Academic Symposium took place, providing a platform for scholars and practitioners to present research and case studies related to sustainability, community engagement, and destination resilience.

 

A welcoming dinner was held for participants on the 5th, and a 'Salusalu' Fijian garland greeting was given to Randy Durband, GSTC CEO, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation - Hon Viliame Gavoka, who delivered the welcoming.

 

Deputy Chair of Tourism Fiji Board, Ms. Fantasha Lockington, opened the day of the conference, alongside Dr Kelly Bricker, Associate Dean of the HNU-ASU Joint International College (HAIC) and GSTC Vice-Chair, Randy Durband, GSTC CEO, and Dr Mihee Kang, GSTC Chief Assurance Officer.

 

They delivered the opening speeches that set the tone for the event, emphasising the significance of sustainable tourism and a collective commitment to building resilient and responsible travel practices.

 

The conference programme was structured around three core themes: Coastal & Island Tourism, Community, Culture, and Responsible Development, and Climate Resilience, Adaptation, and Sustainable Recovery.

 

These thematic tracks provided a clear framework for the sessions, enabling participants to engage with relevant content provided by renowned speakers.

 

The global conference, held on August 6 and 7, featured a wide range of sessions exploring pressing issues in tourism today, including panel discussions on Small Island Destination Management, Reef Protection, Coral Restoration, Responsible Diving, Sustainability in Attractions, Hospitality, Events, Sustainability Measurement and Evaluation, and Environmental Regeneration, among others.

 

“We work hard to operate conferences packed with useful and practical information and updates from real practitioners on solutions to the challenges of the transition to more sustainable forms of tourism. While maintaining a global perspective, by hosting GSTC2025 in Fiji, we included a focus on challenges and solutions unique to island nations. We thank the great support, warmth, and engagement of the Fiji tourism community, and wish them well in their efforts for loloma hour and all aspects of sustainability!”, said Durband.

 

“The hosting of GSTC 2025 in Fiji is a proud achievement for our nation and the Pacific,” said Fantasha Lockington, Deputy Chair of the Tourism Fiji Board. “It showcased how our practical, community-driven approach to sustainability—through local engagement, electric mobility, and meaningful visitor experiences—can shape a more inclusive and resilient tourism future.”

 

“We’re also thrilled to see so many delegates getting out on famils and experiencing the warmth and beauty of Fiji—whether it’s their first visit or they’ve returned. Tourism Fiji’s budget for this event was spent locally—from accommodation and airfares to bands, caterers, and event companies. This ensures not only a global spotlight on Fiji and sustainable tourism, but also a direct financial benefit to our local economy. We’re proud to support local businesses through events like these, where the impact is both global and deeply local.”

 

The event also included two evening receptions that offered valuable networking opportunities and moments of cultural exchange in unforgettable settings.

 

On 5 August, attendees gathered for the Welcome Dinner at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, where they were greeted with traditional Fijian hospitality, live music, and a taste of the island’s culinary heritage.

 

The evening served as a warm introduction to the conference, setting the tone for the days ahead.

 

On 7 August, the Farewell Dinner took place at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, bringing delegates together one last time. Both dinners provided a relaxed yet inspiring atmosphere that deepened connections among participants and highlighted the rich cultural traditions of Fiji.

 

The conference featured a rich programme of workshops that complemented the main sessions and consultation on the GSTC Destination Standard and the forthcoming GSTC Food & Beverage Standard.

 

Additionally, the event showcased a special session to introduce the project “Travel Redefined: Tourism for People and Planet,” produced by Content With Purpose (CWP) in partnership with GSTC. This preview screening introduced the GSTC’s new global video series, showcasing stories from around the world that will bring the GSTC Standards to life.

 

Following the conference, participants were invited to explore Fiji through a variety of post-conference tours. These included visits to local villages, cultural performances, and nature-based and community activities such as the Naidiri Marine Biodiversity Park, designed to showcase the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism.

 

CARBON FOOTPRINT MEASUREMENT AND OTHER SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES DURING THE CONFERENCE

 

As with previous GSTC Conferences, the carbon footprint of the event and the travel of all attendees is calculated and is being offset through ReForest.

 

Other sustainable event practices were carried out, such as reducing paper and plastic usage to a minimum: printing to a minimum, badges made of recyclable paper, and no single-use plastic was used during the conference. Meals were made from locally sourced produce and were mostly vegetarian.

 

Reforest, an Australian social enterprise dedicated to helping travel and events leave a positive legacy for climate, nature, and local communities, served as a sustainability partner for GSTC2025 in Fiji.

 

As part of this collaboration, Reforest is planting a tree on behalf of every attendee, in partnership with Conservation International, through a local reforestation project in the Ra Province on the island of Viti Levu. Each tree planted will contribute to removing CO₂ from the atmosphere, restoring degraded landscapes to support wildlife, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for nearby villages.

 

Embracing the concept of slow travel, GSTC2025 participants were encouraged to extend their stay in Fiji, with some staying as long as 20 days. The average stay among international participants was 7.3 days.

 

As a global organisation, GSTC rotates its annual conference across different regions of the world each year to ensure inclusivity and representation.

 

This approach allows stakeholders from diverse regions to participate in person without always having to travel long distances.

 

Hosting the 2025 conference in Fiji is part of this commitment, following conferences in Singapore (2024), Spain (2022), Botswana (2018), Chile (2017), and other regions in previous years.

 

Fiji, as a small island developing state (SIDS), faces unique challenges related to climate change and tourism sustainability.

 

By hosting the conference here, GSTC aims to highlight these issues on a global stage and provide a platform for local stakeholders to engage directly with international experts.

 

Avoiding such destinations would risk marginalising their voices and further isolating them from global discussions—a perspective GSTC believes is critical to avoid.

 

Avoiding tourism to islands entirely would make them double-victims of climate change: suffering the negative physical impacts of climate change along with decreased economic benefits from reduced demand. -TradeArabia News Service