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The Basic Sustainability Framework initiative to set a common definition of hotel sustainability to drive responsible tourism has been launched by Minor Hotels, NH Hotel Group and other leading groups with 25,000 hotels in total.

In a unique cooperation between the World Travel and Tourism Council, the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and leading hotel companies, in consultation with distribution partners and key tourism  stakeholders, the hotel industry celebrates a responsible return to business with an initiative to raise the global basic level of hotel sustainability in a clear and transparent manner for all travellers and stakeholders.

The Basic Sustainability framework will critically deliver on a common starting point for hotel sustainability accessible to all hotel actors worldwide– whether they are part of a large international Group or independents. Providing this common understanding for all hotels worldwide with actions that have a positive impact on planet and people will drive real change by stimulating the demand for responsible travel.

The Basic Sustainability framework reinforces and works in complement to the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality, which aims to enable every hotel to improve their impact, whatever their starting point on their sustainability journey. and will encompass four clear stages and practical tools that guide the industry towards a regenerative impact on our planet.

In the coming months, the hotel groups in this initiative, will work in close alignment with the WTTC, the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and key stakeholders, on finalising the essential sustainability actions with demonstrable positive impact, and collaborate to share tools and best practices with each other and the wider industry to ensure all hotels start on a pathway towards the targets of the COP 21 Paris Accord.

The sustainability basic framework is aligned with the main aspirations such as the UNWTO Glasgow Declaration and the UNSDG’s decade of action.

Current partner groups include leading hotel companies such as Minor Hotels, NH Hotel Group, Barceló Hotel Group, Huazhu including their affiliate Deutsche Hospitality, Accor, Indian Hotels Company Limited, Jin Jiang International (Holdings) Co., Ltd. including their affiliates Jin Jiang Hotels, Meliá Hotels International and Louvre Hotels Group and Radisson Hotel Group.

The Basic Sustainability framework has now entered the development phase and will be launched in March 2022.

Dillip Rajakarier, Group Chief Executive of Minor International and Chief Executive of Minor Hotels advises  “we must all take responsibility for the impact that our industry has and there is no better way to do it than through uniting forces with other key industry players to achieve this common goal. In the rebirth of hospitality, after the toughest years in our history, we endorse the Basic Sustainability framework with the aim of leading through example and the certainty that the project will be a turning point for the future of all stakeholders

Ramón Aragonés, Chief Executive NH Hotel Group adds “this is a promising opportunity to leverage the strength and influence of the hotel industry to really make an impact. For years, the sector has been an engine for economic growth, social development and the coming together of cultures and now, together, we will also be the driving force to a more sustainable future. We, as part of Minor, endorse the Basic Sustainability framework with great enthusiasm and the conviction that it is a huge step in the right direction.”

Minor Hotels is an international hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with over 530 hotels in operation and through their Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Tivoli, M Collection, NH Collection, NH, nhow, Elewana, Marriott, Four Seasons, St. Regis, Radisson Blu and Minor International properties, they operate in 56 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe, South America and North America.

For more information, please visit www.minorhotels.com. 

Image: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort

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