Tokyu Hotels Joins Forces with GSTC to Promote Sustainable Tourism Standards in Japan
On June 10, 2026, Tokyu Hotels & Resorts, led by President Takashi Takei, announced a significant collaboration with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an international non-profit organization based in the United States that oversees international standards for sustainable tourism. This collaboration marks a historical milestone as it represents the first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between these entities within Japan's hotel sector. The GSTC, established in 2007, aims to foster sustainable tourism through its globally recognized GSTC Standards, which offer a framework for certification bodies and guidelines for developing sustainable tourism destinations around the world.
In recent years, sustainability has become paramount in the tourism industry. Issues like reducing environmental impact, coexisting with local communities, and preserving cultural heritage are all vital aspects that necessitate attention. Tokyu Hotels & Resorts aspires to contribute positively to both the environment and local communities through its hotel operations. By deepening its understanding of the GSTC's international standards for sustainable tourism, the company aims to enhance its efforts further.
This initiative is distinctive as it not only covers foundational training for all employees but also includes advanced, structured content for management-level staff. This approach to building an optimized operational framework tailored to various hierarchical levels is pioneering and has garnered recognition for the organizational cohesion it promotes. The strength of Tokyu's network and brand, combined with its commitment to sustainability and forward-looking mindset, has resonated strongly with GSTC.
The signing of this MOU establishes a framework for ongoing collaboration between Tokyu Hotels & Resorts and GSTC aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and hotel management practices. The objectives include:
1. Utilization of the GSTC Standards Framework
Tokyu Hotels & Resorts plans to incorporate the GSTC Standards into its future sustainability roadmap, goals, and KPIs. GSTC will provide access to its standards, international expertise, case studies, and networks to support Tokyu’s sustainable initiatives.
2. Advancing Sustainable Hotel Operations and Supply Chains
The company aims to enhance its offerings in products, services, and operational structures that are considerate of environmental, social, cultural, and economic factors by adhering to the GSTC Standards. Close cooperation with partners, suppliers, and GSTC-certified hotels will be prioritized to promote sustainability across the entire supply chain.
3. Education, Training, and Human Resources Development
Both parties will collaborate on educational initiatives aimed at improving knowledge of GSTC Standards and sustainable tourism among employees, suppliers, and stakeholders at the hotels operated by Tokyu. Recognizing the need for developing the next generation of tourism and hospitality professionals, they will explore partnerships with educational institutions as well.
4. Information Dissemination and Knowledge Sharing
Joint efforts will be made to enhance understanding and recognition of sustainable tourism in both domestic and international markets through seminars, workshops, case studies, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Discussions will also take place regarding the expansion of sustainability-related content targeted at the Japanese market.
Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: "I am delighted to start our collaboration with Tokyu Hotels & Resorts. Their adoption of GSTC’s Standards signals a significant step toward realizing sustainable tourism and hospitality. I look forward to furthering sustainable initiatives not only in Japan but across the entire hotel and supply chain."
Takashi Takei, President of Tokyu Hotels & Resorts, commented: "The signing of this MOU with GSTC marks a catalyst for elevating our sustainability strategies by leveraging international insights and standards. Our goal is to enhance the globalization of Japan’s tourism and hotel markets and fortify international competitiveness. By integrating the GSTC standards into our practices, we will foster transformative actions that enhance our brand strength and operational competitiveness as a global hotel operator."
The GSTC is an international non-profit responsible for managing and developing the GSTC Standards, which delineate principles for sustainable tourism. Supported by organizations such as the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), GSTC was founded in 2007 and now comprises various stakeholders, including governments, tourism boards, hotels, travel agencies, certification bodies, and NGOs worldwide. Although GSTC does not certify tourism operators directly, it bolsters sustainable tourism through the accreditation of third-party certification bodies, education and training, and dissemination of international standards.
Located at 1-10-7 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, the company is led by President Takashi Takei and operates hotels, restaurants, and membership resorts nationwide. Tokyu Hotels is renowned for its robust network, which includes not only flagship brands like The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, but also other hotels that embody distinctive qualities and appeal. Their ongoing commitment to sustainable initiatives reflects a significant effort to lead the industry towards a more sustainable future.
Background for the MOU
In recent years, sustainability has become paramount in the tourism industry. Issues like reducing environmental impact, coexisting with local communities, and preserving cultural heritage are all vital aspects that necessitate attention. Tokyu Hotels & Resorts aspires to contribute positively to both the environment and local communities through its hotel operations. By deepening its understanding of the GSTC's international standards for sustainable tourism, the company aims to enhance its efforts further.
Pathway to the First Agreement
This initiative is distinctive as it not only covers foundational training for all employees but also includes advanced, structured content for management-level staff. This approach to building an optimized operational framework tailored to various hierarchical levels is pioneering and has garnered recognition for the organizational cohesion it promotes. The strength of Tokyu's network and brand, combined with its commitment to sustainability and forward-looking mindset, has resonated strongly with GSTC.
Key Objectives of the MOU
The signing of this MOU establishes a framework for ongoing collaboration between Tokyu Hotels & Resorts and GSTC aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and hotel management practices. The objectives include:
1. Utilization of the GSTC Standards Framework
Tokyu Hotels & Resorts plans to incorporate the GSTC Standards into its future sustainability roadmap, goals, and KPIs. GSTC will provide access to its standards, international expertise, case studies, and networks to support Tokyu’s sustainable initiatives.
2. Advancing Sustainable Hotel Operations and Supply Chains
The company aims to enhance its offerings in products, services, and operational structures that are considerate of environmental, social, cultural, and economic factors by adhering to the GSTC Standards. Close cooperation with partners, suppliers, and GSTC-certified hotels will be prioritized to promote sustainability across the entire supply chain.
3. Education, Training, and Human Resources Development
Both parties will collaborate on educational initiatives aimed at improving knowledge of GSTC Standards and sustainable tourism among employees, suppliers, and stakeholders at the hotels operated by Tokyu. Recognizing the need for developing the next generation of tourism and hospitality professionals, they will explore partnerships with educational institutions as well.
4. Information Dissemination and Knowledge Sharing
Joint efforts will be made to enhance understanding and recognition of sustainable tourism in both domestic and international markets through seminars, workshops, case studies, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Discussions will also take place regarding the expansion of sustainability-related content targeted at the Japanese market.
Statements from Leadership
Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: "I am delighted to start our collaboration with Tokyu Hotels & Resorts. Their adoption of GSTC’s Standards signals a significant step toward realizing sustainable tourism and hospitality. I look forward to furthering sustainable initiatives not only in Japan but across the entire hotel and supply chain."
Takashi Takei, President of Tokyu Hotels & Resorts, commented: "The signing of this MOU with GSTC marks a catalyst for elevating our sustainability strategies by leveraging international insights and standards. Our goal is to enhance the globalization of Japan’s tourism and hotel markets and fortify international competitiveness. By integrating the GSTC standards into our practices, we will foster transformative actions that enhance our brand strength and operational competitiveness as a global hotel operator."
About the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
The GSTC is an international non-profit responsible for managing and developing the GSTC Standards, which delineate principles for sustainable tourism. Supported by organizations such as the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), GSTC was founded in 2007 and now comprises various stakeholders, including governments, tourism boards, hotels, travel agencies, certification bodies, and NGOs worldwide. Although GSTC does not certify tourism operators directly, it bolsters sustainable tourism through the accreditation of third-party certification bodies, education and training, and dissemination of international standards.
About Tokyu Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
Located at 1-10-7 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, the company is led by President Takashi Takei and operates hotels, restaurants, and membership resorts nationwide. Tokyu Hotels is renowned for its robust network, which includes not only flagship brands like The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, but also other hotels that embody distinctive qualities and appeal. Their ongoing commitment to sustainable initiatives reflects a significant effort to lead the industry towards a more sustainable future.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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