The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced that its Hotel Sustainability Basics programme will evolve into an independent third-party certification scheme.
This transition aligns with new European Union requirements for environmental claims and adheres to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Accreditation Framework. Since its inception in 2022, the programme has been embraced by more than 8,000 hotels across 85 countries, establishing a practical foundation for sustainability in the global accommodation sector.
The shift to independent certification aims to enhance transparency and credibility in sustainability claims, addressing increasing regulatory scrutiny and traveller expectations. The programme's framework, developed by the industry for the industry, outlines 12 practical actions focusing on energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, emissions, community support, and nature protection. This approach is designed to be accessible to hotels of all sizes and types.
The enhanced certification responds to the EU Directive on Empowering Consumers for Green Transition, which introduces stricter requirements for environmental claims. Hotels currently participating in the programme will receive support from WTTC and its verification partners, including SGS, during the transition.
Later this year, WTTC plans to launch Basics Plus, endorsed by the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA), offering hotels the next step in their sustainability journey. Together, Hotel Sustainability Basics and Basics Plus will form the foundation of the WSHA's Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality.
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, stated, "By strengthening the programme through independent certification, we are giving hotels a globally recognised framework that reflects evolving regulatory expectations whilst building greater trust and confidence in sustainability claims."
The initiative has garnered strong support from governments, destinations, hotel groups, and key stakeholders, highlighting its value and scalability in driving sustainability progress across the industry
This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools and checked by the editor before publication. Spot an error? Report it here.
