The WTTC has unveiled a new set of criteria designed to give hotels a recognised and coordinated set of criteria for responsible operation.
The Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative was launched at the organisation’s Global Summit in Manila, and highlights 12 actions which have been identified as fundamental to sustainability in the hospitality sector.
Groups and organisations to have backed the initiative so far include Radisson Hotel Group, Accor, Barceló Hotel Group, Meliá Hotels International and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.
Julia Simpson, WTTC chief executive, said: “We are launching the Hotel Sustainability Basics to ensure no hotel, however small, is left behind in the drive to introduce a basis sustainability measures within a minimum level the next three years.
“Sustainability is non-negotiable but not every small hotel has access to the science on how to make a difference. This gives everyone access to a global standard and provides consumers to travel with confidence.
“WTTC wants the hospitality industry to lead by example so that sustainability becomes the basic requirement used to drive change forward for this generation and the next.”
The criteriainclude actions to measure and reduce energy use, measure and reduce water use, identify and reduce waste and measure and reduce carbon emissions.
It also includes a linen reuse program, use of green cleaning products, the elimination of plastic straws, stirrers, and single-use plastic water bottles, the implementation of bulk amenity dispensers and measures to benefit local communities.