We grow Tourism in Africa and its Source Markets

The African Sustainable Tourism Organization (ASTO) is a dynamic and visionary organization dedicated to advancing sustainable tourism practices across the African continent. Established with a profound commitment to fostering collaborations, driving positive change, preserving and promoting the continent’s rich cultural and natural heritage, improving the livelihoods of its people and promoting responsible tourism, ASTO serves as a vital link between African and international partners in the travel and tourism industry.

The Objectives of the African Sustainable Tourism Organization is to grow an inclusive and sustainable tourism economy in Africa through the following:

Strengthening Partnerships:

Foster strategic partnerships and collaboration among ASTO and governments, regional organizations, the private sector, and local communities to create a united front in driving sustainable tourism initiatives across Africa and Beyond.

Pioneering Sustainable Tourism Excellence in Africa

The African Sustainable Tourism Organization (ASTO) aims to establish comprehensive and tailored sustainable criteria for tourism enterprises, drawing inspiration from the globally recognized criteria set by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). These criteria, developed collaboratively by the GSTC Partnership, serve as the international benchmarks for sustainability in travel and tourism. ASTO’s objectives involve aligning with the GSTC’s four pillars of sustainability: Sustainable Management, Socioeconomic Impacts, Cultural Impacts, and Environmental Impacts.

By adapting and applying these criteria to the unique context of African destinations, ASTO endeavors to guide and support tourism businesses and destinations in achieving social, economic, cultural, and environmental sustainability.

Through this approach, ASTO seeks to promote responsible and mindful tourism practices that conserve natural and cultural resources while contributing to local communities and fostering global conservation efforts.

Promoting Sustainable Development:

Advocate for sustainable tourism practices that prioritize environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and socio-economic development, ensuring the long-term well-being of local communities and ecosystems.

Enhancing Innovation and Knowledge Management:

Encourage innovation and knowledge sharing within the tourism industry to identify and implement sustainable solutions, leverage green technology, and support skills development and capacity building in green careers in Sustainable Tourism.

Facilitating Stakeholder Communications:

Promote effective and transparent communication channels among stakeholders, including governments, tourism organizations, local communities, and tourists, to ensure mutual understanding, cooperation, and engagement in sustainable tourism practices.

 Business Plan Development:

ASTO assists in developping sustainable tourism business plans. These include market analysis, product development, marketing strategy, sales strategy, financial planning, human resource management, risk management, sustainable tourism development, legal and regulatory compliance, and monitoring and evaluation.

Meet Our Team