Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), revealed the 2023 results and industry projections during a press conference aimed at Latin American journalists. The main focus was on the Hotel Sustainability Basics promoted by the WTTC, a program that advocates sustainability and efficiency across a spectrum ranging from large hotel chains to more modest accommodations.

According to Simpson, 80% of hotels worldwide are not large conglomerates but rather medium or small establishments. "It is essential to support them in starting their own path to sustainability. This is not only beneficial for the planet but also for conscious tourists and businesses, which can save costs in times of high expenses and inflation. It's a win-win," expressed Simpson, highlighting the importance of the initiative that emerged in response to industry demand. (video)

The WTTC's hotel sustainability verification program, implemented through Hotel Sustainability Basics, is about to conclude its first year with over 1,300 hotels verified in more than 30 countries. This program, overseen by respected verifiers Green Key and SGS, is based on 12 fundamental and globally aligned sustainability criteria, divided into three pillars: efficiency, planet, and people.

In Simpson's own words, "All hotels, regardless of size, can and should apply this verification system. We are delighted to have 1,300 hotels from 30 countries that have gone through this process. Governments have also joined to support these programs based on the three fundamental pillars."

The program, designed for hotels of all sizes, is structured around three fundamental pillars: efficiency, planet, and people.

Pillar 1: Efficiency In the first pillar, hotels commit to measuring and reducing their energy consumption, a crucial step toward operational efficiency. They also focus on measuring and reducing water consumption, identifying, classifying, and reducing waste, and quantifying carbon emissions with the goal of reducing them. This approach benefits not only the environment but also helps hotels save costs in challenging economic times.

Pillar 2: Planet In the second pillar, the program introduces specific measures to promote planet-friendly practices. This includes encouraging the use of eco-friendly cleaning products, recommendations on the reuse of linens, and the incorporation of vegetarian options on menus. The program aims to minimize the use of plastics by eliminating straws, stirrers, and plastic water bottles, contributing to the reduction of pollution and environmental impact.

Pillar 3: People The third pillar emphasizes the importance of hotels serving and benefiting their communities. This ranges from providing local employment to using community products and collaborating with local initiatives to protect the environment. Community care and reducing inequalities are key elements in this component of the program.

Julia Simpson emphasized the program's accessibility for hotels of all sizes, stating that over 1,300 hotels from 30 countries have participated. She also highlighted collaboration with governments supporting these sustainable programs.

Simpson also shared details about the program's cost, highlighting its affordability for small and medium-sized hotels. "The cost for a small, or not so small, is around $99, but it can vary depending on the location worldwide. This functional system is available in English, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese," affirmed Simpson.

The verification process is carried out through two globally recognized companies, Green Key and SGS, which conduct remote assessments. Simpson praised the support of hotel groups like Jean Jean, the second-largest group after Marriott, and highlighted the presence of the sustainable hotel verification certificate at a Radisson hotel in Dubai, emphasizing the importance of starting the journey toward sustainability.

Karina Giorgenello from ABC MUNDIAL inquired about the influence of implementing Sustainability Basics on reducing water consumption in the tourism industry. Simpson emphasized the importance of water as a scarce resource and the need for concrete measures, such as the use of eco-friendly cleaning products and water recycling systems.

"It varies significantly by region and country. For example, globally, only 1% of all water is freshwater, and we must take care of it. There is more efficient machinery, and we ask customers to be aware of their consumption. This is detailed on our WTTC website," underscored Simpson.

She also highlighted the global adoption of the Basics by major hotel chains like Jin Jiang, Louvre Hotel Group, and Radisson Hotel Group, as well as significant brands like Intrepid, British Airways Holidays, HBX Group, WebBeds, Biosphere, and Abercrombie & Kent. The collaboration between WTTC, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, and Global Sustainable Tourism Council sets a clear path toward advanced global standards for hotel sustainability.

Simpson concluded the conference by sharing an economic perspective on the state of the industry: "2023 has been a year of successful consolidation in the travel and tourism sector. The pandemic seems to be completely behind us, and the industry is finishing strong in all regions." This statement reflects palpable optimism towards the recovery and sustainability of the tourism industry.

In summary, Hotel Sustainability Basics is not only a promising initiative but also a testament to the global commitment to sustainable tourism. Collaboration among key players and a focus on advanced standards signal a greener and more resilient future for the hotel industry.