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In an unprecedented leap towards global environmental stewardship, the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative is closing its inaugural year with remarkable success. Over 1,300 hotels across more than 30 countries have embraced this pioneering program, signalling a sea change in the hospitality industry’s approach to sustainability.

The Hotel Sustainability Basics, an independent verification program managed by renowned verifiers Green Key and SGS, represents a groundbreaking effort in the fight against climate change. This initiative empowers hotels, regardless of size, to embark on a 12-step journey towards reducing carbon emissions, nurturing nature, and uplifting local communities.

This program is designed to be universally applicable, providing a foundational pathway for hotels to build upon more complex sustainability frameworks. Its scalability and adaptability have garnered widespread support from industry giants like Jin Jiang, Louvre Hotel Group, and Radisson Hotel Group.

The program’s influence extends beyond corporate boundaries, with destinations like the Caribbean, Mauritius, Colombia, and Abu Dhabi, among others, endorsing it. This wide acceptance underscores a collective commitment to sustainable practices in the Travel & Tourism sector.

The initiative has attracted diverse participants such as Intrepid, British Airways Holidays, HotelBeds, WebBeds, and Abercrombie & Kent. This diverse roster highlights the program’s versatility and relevance across different facets of the hospitality industry.

The WTTC’s partnership with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) further elevates the initiative. This collaboration aims to create a cohesive framework leading from the Basics to advanced global sustainability standards, thus ensuring a structured and practical approach to environmental stewardship within the hospitality sector.

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative’s success: “Basics is a global program supporting hotels in reducing emissions, supporting local communities, and protecting nature. Its rapid adoption indicates a global commitment to meaningful, lasting change. As we progress, we focus on strengthening these efforts and unifying the sustainability vision in hospitality. We anticipate thousands more properties will join this journey in 2024.”

Satu Rouhiainen, Sustainability Manager at British Airways Holidays, also shared her insights. “Collaboration with our industry and value chain partners is crucial. We are proud to support the Hotel Sustainability Basics, offering our hotel partners a recognized platform to commence their sustainability journey. This not only provides visibility of their progress but also allows our customers to choose hotels actively pursuing sustainability,” she said.

The WTTC stands at the forefront of sustainable Travel and Tourism, relentlessly driving collaborations and setting new sustainability benchmarks. Committed to a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future, the global tourism body is reshaping the hospitality landscape, ensuring that the sector thrives responsibly and conscientiously.

As 2023 draws to a close, the WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaborative effort and shared vision. It’s a beacon of hope and a blueprint for a greener, more sustainable future in travel and tourism.