WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics program reaches a milestone: Over 5,000 hotels commit to a greener future to boost the global travel industry

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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is celebrating a significant milestone: over 5,000 hotels in more than 80 countries have now joined the Hotel Sustainability Basics (Basics) program. This initiative is a critical step in the global effort to promote sustainable practices in the hotel industry and demonstrates the sector’s willingness to take environmentally friendly measures.

Hotels in key destinations across Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia Pacific have adopted the Basics program, which continues to enjoy widespread support around the world. Recent partnerships with tourism powerhouses such as Japan, the Philippines and India underscore the program’s growing influence and commitment to sustainability.

Hotels on the way to sustainability

The Hotel Sustainability Basics program is designed to help hoteliers take their first steps towards greater sustainability. It is an independent verification program monitored by the renowned auditing institutes Green Key and SGS, ensuring strict standards and credibility. The program offers hotels of all sizes comprehensive 12-step criteria to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy and water management, and ensure that local communities benefit from hotel operations.

Leading brands and global support

Well-known hotel brands have adopted the Basics program, including Jin Jiang, one of the world’s largest hotel groups, European giant Louvre Hotels Group, Choice Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group and Accor. These leading brands set a standard for the industry and demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices.

In Japan, the Japan Tourism Board is working with the WTTC through its Japan Sustainable Tourism Initiative (JSTi) to support the rollout of Basics across the country. A pilot program is laying the groundwork before the initiative is expanded to all Japanese accommodation establishments to ensure a nationwide commitment to sustainability.

In the Philippines, Tajara Hospitality Group and Greenview have partnered with WTTC to launch the Basics program as part of their annual sustainable hospitality event, PhilHost. The goal of this collaboration is to embed sustainable practices in Philippine hospitality.

Expansion across India

In India, the Basics program also receives significant support from WTTC members such as The Indian Hotels Company Limited, Radisson India, WTTC India Initiative, Hotel Association of India and MakeMyTrip, the country’s leading online travel agency. This concerted effort underscores the importance of sustainability in the Indian hospitality industry.

Multilingual availability and worldwide recommendations

To meet international demand, the Basics program is now available in multiple languages, offering comprehensive resources in English, French, Spanish and Japanese. This accessibility ensures that hotels worldwide can adopt the program and effectively implement sustainable practices.

Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC, said: “The WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics is a powerful testament to our collective efforts to promote sustainable practices in the hotel industry. More than 5,000 verified hotels is more than just a milestone; it also demonstrates the travel and tourism industry’s willingness to embrace sustainability globally. This initiative brings together hotels, industry partners and sustainability standards to create a resilient, responsible and environmentally friendly future.”

Commitment of independent hotels

Independent hotel management companies and unique accommodation providers have also taken significant steps towards sustainability by adhering to the Basics criteria. Companies such as 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 currently in their second year of verification.

Global recommendations

Hotel Sustainability Basics has received endorsements from destinations around the world, including the Caribbean, Mauritius, Colombia, the United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, Mexico and Ecuador. These endorsements underscore the program’s global reach and the hotel industry’s commitment to sustainability.

A sustainable future

This milestone represents a critical step forward for the travel and tourism industry as the global tourism organization continues to strive to lead the industry towards a more sustainable and responsible future. The widespread adoption of the Hotel Sustainability Basics program demonstrates the hotel industry’s willingness to embrace environmental stewardship and community engagement as core components of its business operations.

In summary, WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics program is a transformative initiative that has gained traction globally, with over 5,000 hotels committing to sustainable practices. This success underscores the importance of collaboration and joint efforts to move the hotel industry towards a greener, more sustainable future. The more hotels and destinations join the program, the more achievable the vision of a resilient, responsible and environmentally friendly travel and tourism sector becomes.