5,000 Hotels Embrace Sustainable Practices with WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has marked a milestone with more than 5,000 hotels across 80 countries adopting its Hotel Sustainability Basics (Basics) program.

This initiative is gaining significant traction, with hotels in major European, African, American, and Asia-Pacific destinations implementing Basics.

According to WTTC, the program’s global reach continues to expand through new partnerships in Japan, the Philippines, and India.

A Pathway to Sustainability

Basics serves as a guide for hoteliers taking their initial steps towards enhanced sustainability. It’s an independent verification program overseen by renowned assessors Green Key and SGS, ensuring rigorous standards and credibility.

The program empowers hotels of all sizes with a comprehensive 12-step criteria aimed at reducing carbon emissions, energy and water consumption, and waste management. Additionally, it ensures local communities benefit from hotel operations.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, stated:

“WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics is a powerful testament to our collective effort in promoting sustainable practices in the hospitality industry. 

“This initiative unites hotels, industry partners, and sustainability standards to create a resilient, responsible, and planet-friendly future.”

Industry Leaders Pave the Way

WTTC reports that Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, and Sanctuary Retreats by Abercrombie and Kent, a provider of luxury African safari lodges, are among those entering their second year of verification under the program.

Hotel Sustainability Basics has also gained endorsements from destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Mauritius, Colombia, UAE, Azerbaijan, Mexico, and Ecuador.