The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced that more than 5,000 properties in over 80 countries have adopted its global Hotel Sustainability Basics (Basics) initiative.
Hotels in leading destinations across Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia-Pacific have adopted Basics, and the program continues to receive global support with new partnerships in tourism powerhouses such as Japan, the Philippines and India.
Designed to guide hoteliers in their first steps towards greater sustainability, Basics is an independent verification program, overseen by renowned assessors Green Key and SGS, that ensures rigorous, clear and measurable standards.
The program empowers hotels of all sizes with a comprehensive 12-step approach aimed at reducing carbon emissions, energy, water and waste management, and ensuring local communities benefit from hotel operations.
Leading hotel brands including Jin Jiang, one of the world’s largest hotel groups, European giant Louvre Hotels Group, Choice Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group and Accor have all adopted Basics.
The Japan Tourism Board has partnered with WTTC through its Japan Sustainable Tourism Initiative (JSTi) to support the rollout of Basics across the country. A pilot programme lays the groundwork before extending the initiative to all Japanese accommodation providers.
In the Philippines, Tajara Hospitality Group and Greenview have partnered with the global tourism body on the launch of Basics, through its annual sustainable hospitality event PhilHost.
Basics will also be expanded across India with support from WTTC members The Indian Hotels Company Limited, Radisson India, WTTC India Initiative, the Hotel Association of India and the country’s leading online travel agency, MakeMyTrip.
Travel + Leisure is now an official sponsor, helping to leverage Basics in hospitality sustainability across its portfolio with a presence in over 245 sites.
To meet international demand, Basics is now also available in multiple languages, offering comprehensive resources in English, French, Spanish and Japanese.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO, said: “WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics is an important testament to our collective effort in promoting sustainable practices in the hospitality industry.
“Surpassing 5,000 verified properties is more than a milestone; it demonstrates Travel & Tourism’s readiness to embrace sustainability globally. This initiative brings hotels, industry partners and sustainability standards together to create a resilient and planet-responsible future.”
Independent hotel management companies and unique accommodation providers have also taken their first steps towards sustainability by signing up to the Basics criteria.
Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, Sanctuary Retreats by Abercrombie and Kent, luxury African safari lodges, among others, are now entering their second year of verification.
Hotel Sustainability Basics has also been endorsed by destinations around the world, including the Caribbean, Mauritius, Colombia, UAE, Azerbaijan, Mexico and Ecuador.
This is a fundamental step for travel and tourism. WTTC maintains and reinforces its commitment to lead the sector towards a more sustainable and responsible future.
Source: WTTC.