Global Hospitality Adopts WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics
WTTC CELEBRATES 5,000+ PROPERTIES ADOPTING THEIR HOTEL SUSTAINABILITY BASICS. THIS ACHIEVEMENT MARKS A SIGNIFICANT STEP TOWARDS GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE TOURISM.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has achieved a significant milestone with over 5,000 properties in more than 80 countries adopting its Hotel Sustainability Basics (Basics) programme. This initiative has been embraced by hotels in key destinations across Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific. The programme continues to gain global traction with new partnerships in major tourism markets like Japan, the Philippines, and India.
Hotel Sustainability Basics: Growing Global Support
Basics is an independent verification program designed to guide hotels toward improved sustainability. It is overseen by reputable assessors Green Key and SGS, ensuring high standards and credibility. The programme offers a 12-step criteria to help hotels of all sizes reduce carbon emissions, manage energy, water, and waste, and benefit local communities.
Leading hotel brands such as Jin Jiang, Louvre Hotels Group, Choice Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group, and Accor have adopted the Hotel Sustainability Basics programme. The Japan Tourism Board has partnered with WTTC through its Japan Sustainable Tourism Initiative (JSTi) to support Basics across the country. A pilot programme will precede the nationwide rollout to all Japanese accommodation providers.
Expanding Across Asia
In the Philippines, the Tajara Hospitality Group and Greenview have joined forces with the WTTC to launch sustainability Basics through the PhilHost hospitality event. In India, the WTTC has gained support from The Indian Hotels Company Limited, Radisson India, WTTC India Initiative, Hotel Association of India, and leading online travel agency MakeMyTrip. Travel + Leisure has also become an official supporter, promoting Basics across its 245+ sites.
To meet growing international demand, Basics is now available in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Japanese. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, emphasized the significance of surpassing 5,000 verified properties, stating that it highlights the travel and tourism industry’s commitment to sustainability.
Industry-wide Adoption of Sustainability
Independent hotel management companies and unique accommodation providers are also embracing sustainability basics. Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, and Sanctuary Retreats by Abercrombie and Kent, luxury African safari lodges, are entering their second year of verification. The programme has received endorsements from destinations like the Caribbean, Mauritius, Colombia, UAE, Azerbaijan, Mexico, and Ecuador.
This milestone marks a pivotal step forward for the Travel & Tourism sector. The WTTC remains dedicated to leading the industry towards a more sustainable and responsible future.
