Avraham Group, known for its hostels and tours, has become the first Israeli company to receive the prestigious Impact Certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an achievement that highlights the group’s status as an innovator in independent, socially responsible tourism.
GSTC is an international organization that sets the highest and most rigorous standards for sustainable tourism for hotels and travel companies. These standards take into account sustainable management criteria such as fair and safe employment, promoting local communities and businesses, preserving local culture and reducing environmental impact.
In addition to the hostel, which is popular with the younger generation, the Abraham Group also operates “Abraham Tours,” offering socially oriented tours that introduce participants to different communities and stories in Israeli society. These tours emphasize connecting with local guides and businesses, such as the Hope Tour to the Gaza border area and the Abraham tour featuring small businesses run by reservists near Tel Aviv.
To receive certification, Abraham had to meet criteria including efficient monitoring and use of resources, waste management, responsible sourcing, social and community engagement and fair employment.
Gilad Shaulov, CEO of Abraham Group, said: “This is an important milestone for our company. Obtaining the certification confirms our deep commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism. It is another important step towards realizing our vision of bringing about positive change in the environment and society in which we operate, while promoting the values of social and environmental responsibility. Achieving the prestigious Sustainable Tourism certification is a testament to our unwavering commitment to act responsibly, support local communities in the social, economic and cultural dimensions, and minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment. This achievement is fully in line with one of our core values - ‘driving change through travel’ – and meets the growing demand for responsible tourism.”
