Singapore Tourism Board Advances Sustainability Initiatives for Attractions and Event Venues

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has announced two innovative initiatives aimed at driving sustainable tourism and supporting the nation’s Green Plan 2030. The first is the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Attraction Criteria, the world’s first global standard created specifically for attractions. The second is the MICE Venue Sustainability Playbook, a comprehensive guide designed to promote green practices within the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. These initiatives were unveiled by Mr. Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade & Industry, and Culture, Community and Youth, at the GSTC Global Sustainable Tourism Conference. This marks the first time Singapore has hosted the conference, a key platform where global leaders, organizations, and individuals passionate about sustainable travel and tourism come together to exchange ideas, collaborate, and form partnerships. In a statement, STB’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Ms. Ong Huey Hong, emphasized the significance of these initiatives: “These efforts are crucial in positioning Singapore as a leader in sustainable urban tourism. By developing world-class standards and equipping the industry with practical tools, we are not only advancing our local tourism sector but also contributing to global sustainability goals in the tourism industry.” The GSTC Attraction Criteria is a groundbreaking global standard for sustainability in the tourism sector. It aims to raise awareness, support policy development, and provide a foundation for certification processes. Developed with the support of STB, the new criteria will help attractions worldwide implement sustainable practices that align with global sustainability goals. This is the first-ever global standard tailored specifically for attractions, filling a critical gap in the sustainable tourism landscape. Attractions will be able to apply for certification starting in early 2026, following the onboarding and accreditation of certification bodies by the GSTC in 2025.