In a joint effort to promote sustainability in the Travel & Tourism sector, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Biosphere have inked a partnership to promote sustainability criteria in the hotel industry under the Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative. In the current landscape of globalisation and information saturation, where sustainability holds paramount importance, the proliferation of new standards and eco-labels poses a significant challenge for the sector. Identifying clear and consistent sustainability criteria has become increasingly difficult. Biosphere and WTTC have joined forces and solidified their commitment to fostering a more sustainable hotel industry to establish fundamental steps for global sustainability practices. This marks a significant milestone for global hotel sustainability, benefiting over 2,500 hotels. As partners of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (SHA), both organisations are optimistic that standardising their sustainability concepts will undoubtedly catalyse widespread adoption by hotels worldwide. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Hotel Basics is a crucial and inclusive industry initiative, ensuring hotels continue to adapt and evolve to meet the needs of both travellers and the planet. The collaboration between Biosphere and WTTC is a fundamental step towards international standardisation in sustainability, creating a clear and homogeneous pathway for the industry.” The recent signed agreement between WTTC and Biosphere will lay the groundwork for a network of international criteria homogenisation. This initiative aims to facilitate the industry’s transition from basic criteria to more advanced global standards, aligning with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 goals of the United Nations. This connection is made possible through the Guide for Sustainable Tourism of UN-SDSN Spain and Biosphere. Dr. Tomás de Azcárate Bang, President of the Responsible Tourism Institute, said: “Sustainability must be viable, …
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