The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) says it is celebrating a milestone of over 5,000 properties across more than 80 countries joining its Hotel Sustainability Basics (Basics) programme.

In a press statement, WTTC says that hotels in major destinations across Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia-Pacific have adopted WTTC programme’s ‘Basics’. 

WTTC says that the programme continues to receive global support with new partnerships in tourism powerhouses such as Japan, the Philippines and India.

Designed to guide hoteliers in their initial steps towards enhanced sustainability, Basics is an independent verification programme supervised by renowned assessors Green Key and SGS to ensure rigorous standards and credibility, according to WTTC.

The statement adds that the programme empowers hotels of all sizes with a comprehensive 12-step criteria aimed at reducing carbon emissions, energy, water and waste management, and ensuring local communities benefit from hotel operations.

Leading hotel brands, including Jin Jiang, one of the world’s largest hotel groups, Louvre Hotels Group, Choice Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group and Accor have adopted Basics.

The Japan Tourism Board has partnered with WTTC through its Japan Sustainable Tourism Initiative (JSTi) to support the launch of Basics across the country. The statement adds that a pilot programme sets the stage before extending the initiative to all Japanese accommodation providers.

In the Philippines, Tajara Hospitality Group and Greenview have partnered with the global tourism body on the market launch of Basics through their annual sustainable hospitality event, PhilHost.

Julia Simpson

“WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics is a powerful testament to our collective effort in promoting sustainable practices in the hospitality industry,” says Julia Simpson, President and CEO, WTTC.

New York-based travel magazine Travel + Leisure is now an official supporter, helping leverage Hotel Sustainability Basics across its portfolio of over 245 sites.

WTTC says that to meet international demand, Basics is now also available in multiple languages, offering comprehensive resources in English, French, Spanish, and Japanese.

“Surpassing 5,000 verified properties is more than just a milestone, it demonstrates Travel and Tourism’s readiness to embrace sustainability globally. This initiative unites hotels, industry partners and sustainability standards to create a resilient, responsible, and planet-friendly future,” adds Simpson.

Independent hotel management companies and unique accommodation providers have also taken their first steps in sustainability by adhering to the Basics criteria, the statement adds. 

It says that Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, Sanctuary Retreats by Abercrombie and Kent, luxury African safari lodges, amongst others, are now entering their second year of verification.

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

WTTC says that this milestone signifies a pivotal step forward for travel and tourism. The global tourism body remains committed to leading the sector towards a more sustainable and responsible future.