The Sanya Tourism Development Bureau has become the first organization to join the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)!
announced that the Sanya Tourism Development Bureau
has officially become the first
official city tourism marketing organization in mainland China
to join the council.
What is the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)?
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) was established in 2007, initially launched by the United Nations Foundation, the United Nations Environment Programme, the Rainforest Alliance, and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (now the United Nations World Tourism Organization). The GSTC is the developer and administrator of global sustainable tourism standards. Its mission is to deepen understanding of sustainable tourism practices and promote the widespread adoption of sustainable tourism principles worldwide. By establishing a set of universal and globally recognized sustainable tourism standards, the GSTC has taken a crucial first step toward unifying the common language of sustainable tourism.
News from the United Nations “Zero Waste” Advisory Committee
Officially announced to the world:
Sanya has been selected as one of the
“20 Cities on the Path to Zero Waste”
This is not only an internationally recognized “green calling card”
but also marks a solid step forward for Sanya’s tourism industry
on the path toward internationalization, standardization,
and sustainable development
(🛎️.)
Sanya actively collaborates with international organizations to explore pathways to sustainable development. In 2024, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and hosted the 9th TPO Forum, bringing together representatives from cities across multiple countries and organizations such as the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Together, they released the “Sanya Declaration on Sustainable Tourism,” deeply connecting local practices with an international perspective. While deepening international cooperation, Sanya has also continued to strengthen its institutional framework. In accordance with the “Detailed Rules for the Construction of ‘Zero-Waste Cells’ in Sanya City (Trial),” the city has cultivated 676 “zero-waste cells,” including 39 “zero-waste hotels” and 13 “zero-waste scenic spots,” achieving full coverage of the “zero-waste” concept across key tourism venues.
Fun in Sanya
Sustainable travel is always in progress
Wuzhizhou Island in Sanya has deployed over 80,000 cubic meters of artificial reefs and shipwrecks, including 2,586 concrete artificial reefs and 22 shipwrecks. This has fostered a complete marine ecosystem comprising coral reefs, fish, shrimp, and shellfish. The island has achieved significant results in marine ecological restoration and the conservation of fishery resources, and has been designated as the “Fifth Batch of National Marine Pasture Demonstration Zones (the first in Hainan).”
As a “zero-waste tourist attraction,” Wuzhizhou Island has integrated low-carbon, eco-friendly, and zero-waste principles into every aspect of the resort. This approach strengthens ecological safeguards, fosters a low-carbon tourism environment, and promotes harmony between humans and nature.
The Sea Library on West Island embodies the “Zero-Waste West Island” philosophy, transforming an abandoned fishing boat into a bookstore complete with 4D surround sound. As the boat sways gently with the waves, the scent of the sea mingles with the aroma of books, filling the air throughout the vessel. Jot down your thoughts on postcards, send them to your future self, and receive the beautiful weather of the present.
The fishing village on West Island still preserves several century-old coral houses that have witnessed the comings and goings of generations. Today, as awareness of marine conservation grows, more villagers are choosing to build their homes with red brick and cement instead of coral, returning the sea’s gift—coral—back to the ocean.
At Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park, you can walk through the rainforest, live amidst it, and become part of it—surrounded by trees and waking each morning to the songs of birds. This immersive experience allows you to more deeply appreciate and actively participate in nature conservation.
Sanya is not only a great destination for leisure and vacations, but it is also committed to environmental protection and sustainable development. Many hotels are taking concrete steps to promote waste reduction and recycling.
Living in Sanya
Happiness is seeing greenery when you open the window
🌴
From GSTC Member to an International “Zero-Waste City” Case Study
Sanya is using sustainable tourism
to pursue a path of high-quality development
Coral grows in the sea
Tourists stroll through the rainforest
Residents jog along the greenways
Villagers find employment right at their doorstep
This is perhaps the best embodiment
of Sanya’s sustainable tourism
Let every resident and visitor
share in a beautiful home that is livable, conducive to business, and perfect for travel
Making tourism a truly
happiness-generating industry that benefits everyone
This is what Sanya is doing
and this is the invitation Sanya extends to the world