ASPEN REACHES FINAL STEP OF THE MOUNTAIN IDEAL CERTIFICATION PROCESS, RECOGNIZED BY THE GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNCIL (GSTC) 

Aspen, CO (Nov. 30, 2023) — As one of the final steps for Aspen to become Mountain IDEAL certified, recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, an auditor appointed by Green Destinations will be visiting Aspen Dec. 4-7 to conduct on-site interviews and audits to local businesses in the Aspen community that are leaders in sustainability. 

Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) has chosen to work with Green Destinations to become Mountain IDEAL certified, which is verified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) sustainability standards. The Mountain IDEAL destination standard has been developed to address sustainability in mountain environments that include winter and summer activities. These unique challenges and opportunities include issues such as water and energy use related to snow-making and snow-melting systems, affordable housing for residents and seasonal employees, collaborating with public land managers and the business community, and embracing mountain cultural heritage. 

The program offers three recognition programs: Top 100 Sustainability Stories, Mountain IDEAL Benchmarked, and Certified Sustainable Destination. The Top 100 Program is open to any destination, and Aspen has been recognized in the Top 100 Sustainability Stories in 2022 and 2023. The Certified Sustainable Destination program is fulfilled by Green Destinations, a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body, and is the pinnacle achievement for a destination to validate their global leadership in sustainable destination management. 

With the launch of the Aspen Destination Management Plan in 2022, Aspen’s key challenges were distilled to create three pillars to focus strategic action: address visitor pressure, enhance the Aspen experience, and preserve small town character. Each pillar defines strategic actions to help ACRA reach its destination management efforts. Following Global Sustainable Tourism Council guidelines and becoming certified as a green destination using the criteria is an action item that ACRA is taking on as a lead, partner, and advocate under the pillar of addressing visitor pressure and specifically preserving and regenerating the natural environment.

About ACRA  

Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting  Aspen’s business community and enhancing the visitor experience. ACRA is a unique blend of a traditional chamber of commerce and a visitors' and convention bureau made up of approximately 750+ local businesses, a strong, diverse board of directors, and a dedicated staff.  ACRA’s four departments which support the Aspen business community are Destination  Marketing and Group Sales, Membership, Special Events, and Visitor Services. For more information visit www.aspenchamber.org or call 970-925-1940.