WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics Reaches 3,400 Verified Properties

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) on Thursday announced that its Hotel Sustainability Basics (Basics) now includes 3,400 verified properties across almost 80 countries.

Designed to help hoteliers on their first steps to improve their sustainability ratings and raise the bar of sustainability across the global hospitality industry, this independent global sustainability verification program is overseen by internationally recognised verifiers Green Key and SGS.

It empowers hotels of all sizes to follow a 12-step program aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting nature conservation, and ensuring local communities benefit from a hotel’s operations.

According to WTTC, this latest achievement marks a pivotal step forward in Travel & Tourism towards a more resilient and sustainable future.

“Reaching 3,400 verified properties is not just a milestone; it’s a clear indication that the industry is ready to embrace sustainability on a global scale,” WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said.

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson. Photo source: WTTC

Hotels groups from major Travel & Tourism destinations such as Germany, China, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, Sweden, Spain, India, Madagascar, and Turkiye, amongst many others, have joined the groundbreaking initiative.

“Basics” has now been adopted by hotels across all continents, signifying the eagerness from major hospitality players across the globe to move forward in their sustainability journey.

Major hotel brands which have now adopted ‘Basics’ include Jin Jiang, one of the world’s biggest hotel groups with more than 10,000 hotels, European hotel giant Louvre Hotels Group, Choice Hotels, and Radisson Hotel Group.

New strategic partnerships to promote a unified approach to sustainability

In addition to its geographical expansion, Basics is strengthening the sector’s alignment on sustainability through new strategic partnerships.

A key collaboration with BeCause is set to enhance relationships and visibility with Online Travel Agents (OTAs), providing an invaluable platform for hotels committed to sustainable operations.

According to WTTC, this initiative reflects the tourism body’s dedication to facilitating meaningful connections within the industry, promoting a unified approach to sustainability.

Basics is fully aligned with Green Key, a leading international eco-label for tourism facilities, meaning all Green Key certified hotels are now in full compliance with Basics and can obtain Basics verification with no extra effort.

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

“This initiative is about uniting hotels, industry partners, and sustainability standards to create a future that is resilient, responsible, and respectful of our planet,” said WTTC’s president.

The WTTC launched the Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative in 2022.