China’s Huangshan (Pic By WTTC)

The 5th Annual General Meeting of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) takes place this year in Huangshan, China, from September 10-13. Huangshan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site typified by lush forests of pine trees, hot springs and dramatically shaped granite peaks. It is linked by air from many hubs including Beijing, Guangzhou, Seoul, and by rail including a very new high-speed link from Beijing.

The landscape in Huangshan is also more than just a dramatic backdrop. It provides a real world example of how a destination can balance the needs of preservation with the economic advantages tourism can bring a region.

Huangshan Scenic Area (HSAC) has capped daily visitor numbers; created a network of alternative trails to alleviate overuse of the most popular ones; promoted winter visits; and closed certain “hot spots” on a rotating basis.

The event therefore provides an excellent opportunity to experience sustainable tourism at a destination level, and hosts HSAC are a long-time GSTC Member, and a GSTC “Early Adopter Destination.” There will be updates from the GSTC Board, panel discussions, workshops, roundtable discussions and more. All in all, the AGM’s three days offer a chance to network, to share ideas with top sustainable tourism leaders, and to learn about and discuss practical applications of the GSTC Criteria.
Further information and registration is available on the GSTC website, and any questions regarding the AGM can be addressed to members@gstcouncil.org