About Center of Excellence for Science and Technology in Sustainable Tourism Universitas Sumatera Utara

The Center of Excellence for Sustainable Tourism (PUI) at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) is a research and monitoring institution established in 2017, formerly known as the Working Group on Lake Toba Area Tourism and Sustainable Tourism. The center has become a pioneer in advancing sustainable tourism in North Sumatra, particularly in the Lake Toba region, through innovation, data-driven approaches, and the utilization of technology.
Since officially becoming a member of the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) under UNWTO in 2017, the USU Sustainable Tourism PUI has consistently conducted monitoring and evaluation of various sustainability indicators in tourism areas. Its primary focus includes waste, water, and energy management; local economic development; community participation; climate resilience; and accessibility.
Supported by strong collaborations with local governments, community groups, and international partners, the center serves as a national reference for policy-making and for implementing sustainable and inclusive destination management practices.

Chairman Profile

direktur Center of Excellence for Science and Technology in Sustainable Tourism

Prof. Ir. Nurlisa Ginting, M.Sc., Ph.D., IPM

Chairman Profile

Chairman of Center of Excellence for Science and Technology in Sustainable Tourism USU

Prof. Ir. Nurlisa Ginting, M.Sc., Ph.D., IPM is an urban planner in the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), as well as the Head of the Center of Excellence for Sustainable Tourism Science and Technology. She holds an educational background in architecture from the Bandung Institute of Technology, a master’s degree in Urban Development Planning from University College London, and a PhD in Architecture, Building, and Planning from Universiti Sains Malaysia.
In addition to her academic contributions, she has worked with various government institutions in North Sumatra, such as the Investment and Promotion Bureau, the Women's Empowerment Bureau, and the Bureau of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. She is also actively involved as a member of the Indonesia Sustainable Tourism Council (ISTC), a reviewer for the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and participates in international networks such as the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO).
Her diverse contributions have made a significant impact on both the academic and practical aspects of tourism design and development.

History

2017

Sejarah Center of Excellence for Science and Technology in Sustainable Tourism USU

The Center for Excellence in Science and Technology (PUI) for Sustainable Tourism at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) originated from an academic initiative through the establishment of the Working Group on Lake Toba Tourism and Sustainable Tourism. This Center focuses on providing assistance, conducting research, and monitoring tourism development within the Lake Toba Region, while simultaneously strengthening USU’s role in supporting the government’s efforts to accelerate the development of national priority destinations. USU officially joined the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) under UNWTO/UN Tourism, making it one of the first sustainable tourism observatories in Indonesia.

2025

Through close collaboration with local governments, ministries, local communities, and global partners, USU’s Center for Sustainable Tourism has now become a national reference in policy development, destination management models, and the application of technology to support competitive and sustainable tourism.