WTTC Elevates Hotel Sustainability Basics to Independent Global Certification Scheme

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced that its Hotel Sustainability Basics programme will now transition to an independent third-party certification scheme, aligned with EU requirements and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Accreditation Framework.

Credible Assurance:
The certification introduces independent verification, ensuring transparency and credibility for hotels demonstrating sustainability performance.

Global Adoption:
Since its launch in 2022, more than 8,000 hotels across 85 countries have adopted the framework.

Core Standards:
The Basics framework covers 12 practical actions including:
- Energy and water efficiency.
- Waste reduction.
- Emissions management.
- Support for local communities.
- Protection of nature.

Regulatory Alignment:
The enhanced certification responds to the EU Directive on Empowering Consumers for Green Transition (Directive (EU) 2024/825), which sets stricter requirements for environmental claims.

No Immediate Action Required:
Hotels already participating will continue seamlessly, with WTTC and partners like SGS providing guidance during the transition.

Next Stage – Basics Plus:
Later this year, WTTC will launch Basics Plus, endorsed by the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA), offering hotels a roadmap toward Net Positive Hospitality.

Leadership Voices:
- Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC: “By strengthening the programme through independent certification, we are giving hotels a globally recognised framework that reflects evolving regulatory expectations while building greater trust and confidence in sustainability claims.”

- Randy Durband, CEO, GSTC: “This marks an important moment for the hospitality industry, strengthening alignment around credible and consistent approaches to hotel sustainability.”

Industry Support:
The initiative has backing from governments, destinations, hotel groups, and stakeholders, including WSHA, Jin Jiang, Radisson Hotel Group, and HBX Group.

Impact:
The transition establishes a clear, credible framework for sustainability, reinforcing consumer trust and positioning the hospitality sector for long-term global credibility.