ITC Hotels Sets New Standards for Responsible Luxury in India, Earning Top Honors at World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards

Published on March 4, 2026

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ITC Hotels, a leading hotel and hospitality major in India, has won significant accolades at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, held at Terra in Expo City Dubai. The hotel and hospitality major has won four major titles at the awards, thus reinforcing its reputation as one of the most sustainable hospitality brands in the world. These prestigious awards recognize ITC Hotels’ commitment to sustainable practices and responsible tourism, thus becoming a role model for the hospitality industry worldwide.

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ITC Hotels Earns Multiple Recognitions in Sustainable Hospitality

At the gala event, ITC Hotels was recognised for its outstanding contributions to sustainable tourism and hospitality. The company was awarded the following titles:

• World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation 2025
• World’s Leading Sustainable Employer 2025
• World’s Leading Sustainable Food & Nutrition Initiative 2025
• World’s Leading Sustainable Marketing Campaign 2025

These awards, presented in front of global tourism and hospitality leaders, reflect ITC Hotels’ dedication to integrating sustainability across its operations and offerings. The company’s recognition across multiple categories signifies its holistic approach to sustainability—one that encompasses environmental, social, and operational aspects within its hotels.

ITC Hotels: A Leader in Sustainable Practices

ITC Hotels’ recognition as the World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation highlights the brand’s ability to combine luxury with environmental consciousness. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is guided by its core philosophy of ‘Responsible Luxury.’ This philosophy integrates sustainability into every aspect of hotel management, ensuring that guests enjoy world-class comfort while reducing environmental impacts.

ITC Hotels operates over 140 properties across more than 90 destinations globally, and it has the highest number of LEED Platinum certifications—23 in total—more than any other hospitality brand worldwide. Among the notable properties receiving LEED Platinum certifications is ITC Maurya, a standout example of the brand’s commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Innovative Sustainability Initiatives at ITC Hotels

The awards not only acknowledge ITC Hotels’ leadership in luxury hospitality but also highlight its pioneering sustainability initiatives. The brand is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040, a bold move in alignment with global sustainability standards. ITC Hotels’ efforts extend to various operational innovations, including:

• Atmospheric Water Generators: These systems collect moisture from the air, providing a sustainable water source without drawing from local water supplies.
• Zero-Emission Electric Boilers: These energy-efficient boilers contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of hotel operations.
• Biogas Systems: ITC Hotels implements biogas systems to convert organic waste into energy, which is used to power its facilities.
• Cuisine Decarbonisation Initiatives: The company works on reducing its carbon footprint in food preparation, focusing on sustainable sourcing and reducing food waste.
• Circular Systems in Water and Waste Management: ITC Hotels has developed efficient water recycling and waste management systems that minimize environmental impact.

These innovations not only enhance the sustainability of ITC Hotels’ operations but also demonstrate how the hospitality sector can integrate eco-friendly practices into everyday services. These efforts contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the industry, offering a more sustainable future for both the business and its guests.

Impact on Tourism: A Model for Responsible Travel

ITC Hotels’ recognition at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards also carries significant implications for the broader tourism industry. As sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration for travelers, the hospitality industry must align its practices with environmental and social responsibility. ITC Hotels’ commitment to sustainable tourism provides a model for other businesses in the industry to follow, ensuring that tourism remains a positive force for both local communities and the environment.

Tourists are becoming more conscious of the environmental footprint of their travels. Sustainable practices, such as those demonstrated by ITC Hotels, help meet the demands of eco-conscious travelers who seek accommodations that align with their values. In turn, the industry can attract a growing segment of responsible travelers who are looking for experiences that minimize harm to the environment while enhancing their overall travel experience.

Sustainability as a Driver for Growth and Innovation

The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards highlighted ITC Hotels’ unique ability to merge sustainability with business growth. The company’s achievements serve as a benchmark for how sustainability can be both a core value and a driver for business success in the competitive hospitality industry. By aligning its operations with global sustainability standards and investing in eco-friendly technologies, ITC Hotels has proven that sustainable practices not only contribute to a positive environmental impact but can also boost operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

This focus on sustainability also supports the tourism sector’s long-term growth by positioning companies as leaders in responsible travel. As more travelers prioritize sustainability when booking accommodations, businesses that adopt green practices will continue to see increased demand, setting themselves apart in the global tourism market.

ITC Hotels and the Future of Sustainable Tourism in India and Beyond

India is one of the world’s largest and most rapidly growing tourism markets. ITC Hotels’ focus on sustainability positions the brand as a leader in both India and global markets, contributing to the country’s broader push for sustainable development in tourism. ITC Hotels’ innovative practices will help shape the future of tourism in India, setting a high standard for environmental responsibility within the industry.

Sustainability, however, is not just about reducing environmental impact; it also encompasses social responsibility. ITC Hotels places significant emphasis on supporting local communities, fostering job creation, and ensuring that tourism contributes to positive societal change. This broader approach to sustainability ensures that ITC Hotels’ impact extends beyond environmental efforts and contributes to the well-being of local populations and economies.

Digital Initiatives: Enhancing Sustainability with Technology

Another important aspect of ITC Hotels’ sustainability efforts is the integration of digital tools aimed at improving operational efficiency and enhancing the guest experience. The brand’s commitment to digital readiness is evident in its use of technology to streamline services, from faster check-ins to improving resource management.

By embracing digital solutions, ITC Hotels enhances both the customer experience and its sustainability efforts, ensuring that technology plays a key role in the company’s ongoing commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while maintaining high levels of guest satisfaction.

A Global Leader in Responsible Luxury

The recognition of ITC Hotels at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards is a testament to its position as a leader in ensuring that sustainability is incorporated into the luxury hospitality market. ITC Hotels is a role model for all businesses within the hospitality and tourism industry to emulate in its approach to sustainability and its commitment to reducing its footprint on the environment and its adoption of innovation and sustainable tourism.

As sustainability continues to be at the heart of shaping the future of tourism globally, ITC Hotels is proving that sustainable luxury is not only possible but also a necessity in building a sustainable future for the tourism and hospitality industry as a whole. This is a testament to its continued commitment and approach to ensuring that it is at the forefront of luxury hospitality and tourism globally by its continued innovation and commitment to sustainability.