GSTC sets 30% plant-based menu requirement for certified hospitality operators

This forms the minimum thresholds businesses must meet to earn or retain their certification.

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has introduced a new Food and Beverage Standard that requires companies seeking GSTC certification to ensure at least 30% of main dishes and meal options are plant-based or predominantly plant-based, defined as at least 95% plant-based by weight.

The requirement falls under criterion A10.8 of the new Standard, which applies to à la carte and buffet-style restaurants and any menu offering multiple dishes. It forms part of the minimum threshold businesses must meet to advance or maintain GSTC certification, meaning hotels already certified or applying for certification will need to assess their current menu offerings against the benchmark as part of their review process.

The GSTC, a nonprofit established in 2007 with support from the United Nations Environment Programme and United Nations World Tourism Organization, currently accredits more than 2,000 certified hotels worldwide.

Its standards are adopted by national and provincial governments, travel companies, hotels, tour operators and NGOs.

Nick Cooney, board director at the Lever Foundation, which worked with GSTC on developing the standard over two years, said the requirement gave hospitality groups, restaurants and travel F&B operators a concrete minimum to work toward.

"With its clear, measurable requirements for reducing the use of animal-based ingredients and increasing the use of plant-based foods, the new Standard gives hospitality groups, restaurants, and travel F&B operators a concrete minimum to work toward in this important area," Cooney said.

This standard was created in line with the GSTC Standard-Setting Manual (v3.0) and the ISEAL Code of Good Practice for Sustainability System (v.1.1), ensuring credibility and inclusive development. It reflects input from experts, industry practitioners, community voices, researchers, and organizations working across sustainability and responsible tourism.

The standard is reviewed at least every five years, and updates are shared on GSTC’s website.