A ‘Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality’ initiative aims to help hotels improve their impact on the environment.
The scheme has been initiated by the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, which unites leading hospitality companies comprising 30% of the industry.
The World Travel and Tourism Council is giving its support and plans a sustainability framework accessible to the global hospitality industry.
The Pathway has entered the consultation phase and details are due to be published in March 2022.
It will encompass four clear stages and practical tools that guide the industry towards a regenerative impact on the planet.
An affiliate membership of the Alliance will create a forum for industry asset owners and investors to join with leading hotel operators “to lead a consistent approach to responsible hotel management and advance the sustainability of hotels across the buildings as well as their operations”.
Alliance chair Wolfgang Neumann said: “The world is without a doubt at a crucial tipping point. But it’s not too late to avert an environmental catastrophe.
“We need to act fast and we must collaborate as we double up our efforts.
“The dialogue needs to go beyond having ‘zero’ impact and look towards what we can be putting back into the natural world to ensure we have a lasting positive impact on our planet and its people.”
WTTC president Julia Simpson added: “We recognise both the major challenges we are facing and the urgent need to restart our sector safely and responsibly.
“We fully endorse and support the Pathway, an initiative which complements WTTC’s own ambition to move the entire sector to net zero.
“WTTC is in a unique position to connect the entire industry and encourage the many SMEs and others within the industry to begin their journey with a solid sustainability framework.”