World Ocean Day (8 June); Novotel has released its second Ocean Impact Report

Two years into its ocean commitment and international partnership with WWF France, Novotel is driving tangible progress across its global network of more than 600 hotels, advancing operational change, marine conservation, sustainable food practices, and ocean awareness around the world.

Two Years of Progress
- Novotel’s partnership with WWF France (launched in 2024) is focused on protecting ocean health through operational change, sustainable food practices, education, and conservation.
- The 2026 report is tied to SDG 14 – Life Below Water, and shows measurable impact across more than 600 hotels worldwide.

Reducing Impact
- 92% of Novotel hotels now comply with Accor’s single-use plastic policy.
- 73% are eco-certified by third parties.
- Ongoing efforts to cut waste and encourage responsible resource use.

Sustainable Food
- 50% of hotels offer menus with at least 25% plant-based dishes.
- Over 1,600 chefs trained in WWF Sustainable Seafood practices.
- 41% of hotels have banned 350+ vulnerable seafood species.
- Traceability projects underway in Asia (tuna/shrimp), Europe/North Africa, and Brazil.
- Novotel became the first hospitality brand to join the Seafood Task Force in 2025.

Education & Awareness
- 3,200+ team members completed Ocean Awareness Training.
- Family-friendly games like Guardians of the Mediterranean rolled out globally.
- VR exhibitions launched across 12 hotels, showcasing ocean photography by Kaushiik Subramaniam.
- Participation in the UN Ocean Conference (2025) in Nice.

Research & Conservation Projects
- Protecting Posidonia meadows in the Mediterranean with buoy conversions.
- Tackling ghost gear: 1,094 hectares scanned, 14 nets removed, expansion planned in the Baltic Sea.
- Supporting WWF’s Blue Panda missions, including the first whale ECG in the Mediterranean.
- Sea turtle conservation in French Guiana and Guyana, with youth ambassadors engaged.
- Global Blue Corridors for Turtles initiative expanded with 50+ new tracking datasets.

Looking Ahead
- Expanding seafood traceability and plant-forward menus.
- New conservation efforts in the Baltic Sea (ghost gear removal) and Australia (whale migratory routes).
- Continued guest engagement through education and awareness initiatives.

Leadership Voices
- Jean-Yves Minet (Novotel Global Brand President): “Every operational improvement, trained team member, responsible menu choice, and conservation project helps protect the long-term health of our oceans.”
- Ludovic Frère Escoffier (WWF France): “Protecting the ocean requires long-term collaboration and collective action.”

This report shows how a global hospitality brand can move beyond pledges to tangible, measurable action for ocean longevity.