Sustainable hotel monitoring scheme Travelife has won agreement from RIU Hotels and Resorts to have all its portfolio audited by the end of 2014.
The chain, which has more than 100 hotels in 16 countries and handles more than 3.2 million guests a year, has started the first phase of the Travelife Sustainability System project.
Seven properties achieved Travelife Gold awards, including: the Riu Calypso; the Riu Garoe; the Riu Belplaya; the Riu Monica and Riu Nautilus in Spain; as well as the Riu Tikida Dunas and the Riu Tikida Beach in Morocco.
A further three RIU properties will be audited in Morocco later this year, together with hotels in Cape Verde and the Algarve.
The chain will work with its remaining properties worldwide in the next phase between 2013-14, including those in Bulgaria, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Madeira, Mexico, Morocco and Spain.
Abta and Travelife head of destinations and sustainability Nikki White said: “By committing to Travelife, RIU Hotels and Resorts is showing they are working hard to reduce their impact on the environment, as well as developing their staff, supporting local businesses and their local communities.
“Holidaymakers staying in these properties can be sure that RIU Hotels and Resorts care about people and the planet, as well as offering their guests the very best holiday experience.”