WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Program exceeds 1,700 properties, setting new standards

Monday, March 4, 2024

The Global Hotel Sustainability Initiative, led by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and known as the Hotel Sustainability Basics, has achieved a notable success by verifying over 1,700 hotels in 70 countries around the globe. This program is designed to guide hoteliers on the path to enhancing their sustainability efforts.

Speaking at ITB Berlin, WTTC’s President & CEO, Julia Simpson, applauded this milestone, emphasizing the sector’s dedication to fostering a greener future. The Basics program is instrumental in advancing hotel sustainability and providing a straightforward verification process for consumers.

Hotels from leading Travel & Tourism hotspots, including countries like France, China, Mexico, India, Germany, South Africa, the Philippines, and Norway, have embraced this pioneering program.

Prominent hotel chains adopting the Basics include the world-renowned Jin Jiang, with its extensive network of over 10,000 hotels, the Louvre Hotel Group in Europe, Choice Hotels, and the Radisson Hotel Group.

In its first year, the initiative has also secured support from various global destinations, such as the Caribbean, Mauritius, Colombia, the UAE, Azerbaijan, Mexico, and Ecuador.

Additionally, significant Travel & Tourism entities like Intrepid for adventure travel, British Airways Holidays, the HBX Group, WebBeds, and Abercrombie & Kent have joined the movement.

Overseen by the globally acknowledged Green Key and SGS, this independent sustainability verification program for hotels encourages adherence to a comprehensive 12-step plan. This plan focuses on minimizing carbon footprints, safeguarding natural habitats, and ensuring that local communities thrive from hotel operations.

WTTC’s leader, Julia Simpson, stated, “Our aim is to establish a universally recognized mark that instantly informs consumers of a hotel’s commitment to environmental conservation, energy saving, plastic reduction, nature protection, and local community support. This initiative has seen remarkable participation since its launch a year ago, with 70 countries participating and over 1,700 properties verified, plus a growing waiting list. It promises to effect significant, enduring change.

Simpson extended her gratitude to Glen Mandziuk of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and Randy Durband of GDST, along with the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, for their critical intellectual contributions and enthusiasm in propelling this initiative forward.

WTTC continues to lead in promoting sustainable Travel & Tourism, responding to the sector’s call for more globally consistent sustainability criteria, in close collaboration with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.

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