Sustainable Tourism Consultancy
For accommodation facilities, sustainability has gone beyond guest expectations and become an obligation tied to certification. As Asel Environmental Consultancy in Antalya, we guide hotels and accommodation facilities through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's Sustainable Tourism Programme from start to finish: from assessing the current situation to documentation, and from staff training to preparing for the verification audit.
What does the programme require?
The Sustainable Tourism Programme is run under the leadership of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), and is based on the international GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) criteria. Compliance is certified through a verification audit by authorised independent bodies. The programme has three stages: 14 criteria are met in stage 1 and 29 in stage 2, while stage 3 applies all 42 criteria.
The criteria cover areas such as waste and water management, energy efficiency, purchasing policy, staff practices, guest information and relations with the local community. So the process is not just paperwork; it means building a system that is reflected in the facility's day-to-day operations.
How the process works
1. Preliminary assessment — The facility's current situation is assessed against the criteria, showing how far you are from each level.
2. Gap analysis and roadmap — What will be done, by whom and when is planned for each topic.
3. Documentation — Policies, procedures and record systems are prepared to suit the facility.
4. Implementation and training — Training is given to the relevant teams, including housekeeping, kitchen, technical service and front office.
5. Preparing for the verification audit — Records and on-site practices are made audit-ready.
6. Certification and maintenance — After certification, regular record-keeping is followed up.
What we do
• Preparing the documentation required for the sustainability management system
• Delivering sustainability training for staff
• Planning and monitoring waste, energy and water management processes
• Developing local purchasing and employment policies
• Preparing guest information materials
• Preparing for the verification audit and accompanying you on the audit day
Across Antalya's tourism regions
As we are based in Muratpaşa, Antalya, we support hotels and accommodation facilities in Lara, Kundu, Belek, Side, Manavgat, Alanya, Kemer and Kaş with on-site visits. For every type of property, from boutique hotels to holiday villages, we plan the preparation timeline around the busy season.
The certificate is more than an obligation: it is a practical tool for meeting the sustainability requirements of international tour operators, standing out on booking platforms and keeping energy, water and waste costs under control. That is why we treat the process not as paperwork but as work that improves how your facility runs.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Green Star (Yeşil Yıldız) and the Sustainable Tourism Programme the same thing?
Both are linked to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, but they are different schemes. We assess which certificate your facility needs and how the two can be pursued together, based on your situation.
I run a small boutique hotel — am I still covered?
The programme covers facilities holding a tourism operation certificate or a simple accommodation certificate. We review your facility's certificate status and give you a clear answer.
Who carries out the audit?
The verification audit is carried out by authorised independent bodies. We prepare your facility for the audit and are with you on the audit day.
Can we start during the season?
Yes. We plan the work around the facility's operating pace and split site visits and training during busy periods so that operations are not disrupted.
Get in touch to see what level your facility is at and how far it is from certification.
Related guides
The blog posts where we explain this topic in more detail: