Over 5,000 hotels have committed to better sustainability practices

The WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics program is now in action in more than 80 countries worldwide, representing a significant step towards a more sustainable hospitality industry

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has reached a major milestone, with over 5,000 hotels in more than 80 countries now part of its Hotel Sustainability Basics program. This initiative, aimed at guiding hotels toward eco-friendly practices, has seen widespread adoption across Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific.

The Basics program, verified by Green Key and SGS, provides a 12-step framework to help hotels reduce carbon emissions, manage resources, and support local communities. Major hotel groups like Jin Jiang, Louvre Hotels Group, Choice Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group, and Accor are among those leading the charge.

New partnerships are driving the program’s expansion, including collaborations in Japan, the Philippines, and India. In Japan, the Japan Tourism Board has collaborated with WTTC to launch the program nationwide, beginning with a pilot phase that will eventually extend to all accommodation providers across the country. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, the program has been introduced through a partnership with Tajara Hospitality Group and Greenview, as part of the annual PhilHost sustainable hospitality event.

India is also seeing a major rollout of the program, supported by WTTC Members such as The Indian Hotels Company Limited, Radisson India, WTTC India Initiative, and the Hotel Association of India. Additionally, the leading online travel agency MakeMyTrip is involved in promoting the program across the country.

Travel + Leisure has also joined as an official supporter, further extending the program’s reach. The initiative is now available in multiple languages, making it accessible worldwide.

Independent hotels and unique properties, such as Aleph Hospitality and Sanctuary Retreats, are also embracing the program. Destinations like the Caribbean, Mauritius, and Colombia have endorsed the initiative, reflecting its global impact.

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson highlighted the importance of this milestone, stating, “Surpassing 5,000 verified properties demonstrates Travel & Tourism’s readiness to embrace sustainability globally.” 

The program represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry.