Over 5,000 hotels globally adopt WTTC’s sustainability guidelines, marking a significant step towards environmental responsibility.
- These hotels, spanning 80 countries, are implementing a 12-step programme focusing on reducing carbon emissions, energy, water, and waste.
- Key partnerships in Japan, the Philippines, and India are driving the initiative forward with strong local support.
- The programme is available in multiple languages, broadening accessibility and engagement across the globe.
- Industry leaders and destinations endorse the initiative, reflecting a collective commitment to sustainable tourism.
A significant shift in the global hospitality industry is underway, as over 5,000 hotels across 80 countries commit to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) sustainability initiative. This programme is designed to guide hotels towards more environmentally sustainable practices.
The foundation of the initiative is a 12-step criteria that targets key areas such as carbon emissions, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and benefiting local communities. These comprehensive steps provide a clear framework for hotels to enhance their sustainability efforts.
In Japan, the WTTC collaborates with the Japan Tourism Board to pilot the programme, aiming for broader application across all accommodation providers in the country. Similarly, the Philippines sees local implementation in partnership with the Tajara Hospitality Group and Greenview, facilitating a national move towards sustainability.
India is poised to see widespread adoption of the initiative, backed by WTTC members like The Indian Hotels Company and Radisson India. These partnerships, along with support from the Hotel Association of India and leading online travel agency MakeMyTrip, highlight a robust commitment to the cause.
To ensure the programme’s accessibility, it is available in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Japanese. This linguistic diversity is instrumental in promoting broader engagement and understanding among international stakeholders.
Endorsements from several key destinations, such as the Caribbean, Mauritius, Colombia, and the UAE, emphasise the global readiness to embrace sustainable tourism practices. As WTTC president Julia Simpson stated, “WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics is a powerful testament to our collective effort in promoting sustainable practices in the hospitality industry.”
WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative exemplifies the hospitality industry’s readiness to globally embrace sustainable practices.
