The transition is intended to strengthen Hotel Sustainability Basics as a globally recognised framework for hotel sustainability by introducing independent verification, increasing transparency and providing hotels with a recognised pathway to demonstrate sustainability performance in line with evolving regulatory and market expectations.
Since its launch in 2022, Hotel Sustainability Basics has been adopted by more than 8,000 hotels across 85 countries. Developed by the industry for the industry, with support from Greenview, the framework establishes 12 practical actions covering energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, emissions management, support for local communities and nature protection. It was designed to be accessible to hotels of all sizes and categories, providing a common sustainability foundation across the global accommodation sector.
The enhanced certification programme responds to the EU Directive on Empowering Consumers for Green Transition (Directive (EU) 2024/825), which introduces stricter requirements for environmental claims. Through independent third-party certification and alignment with the GSTC Accreditation Framework, the programme aims to provide hotels with an internationally recognised approach to sustainability assurance, strengthening confidence among travellers, businesses, governments and investors.
Hotels already participating in the programme are not required to take immediate action. WTTC stated that it will work with its verification partners, including SGS, to provide guidance and support throughout the transition to the new certification model.
Later this year, WTTC will introduce Basics Plus, developed with and endorsed by the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA). The new programme will represent the next stage of the sustainability journey for hotels. Together, Hotel Sustainability Basics and Basics Plus will form the foundation of WSHA’s Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality, providing hotels with a structured roadmap from essential sustainability practices to independently verified performance
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, said: “Hotel Sustainability Basics has demonstrated that sustainability can be practical, achievable and scalable, with thousands of hotels already taking meaningful action around the world. 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. Together with Basics Plus, we are creating a clear pathway that enables hotels of all sizes to continue progressing on their sustainability journey.”
Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC, said: “This marks an important moment for the hospitality industry, strengthening alignment around credible and consistent approaches to hotel sustainability. The GSTC accreditation of WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics will reflect what can be achieved through a shared commitment to meaningful progress. It will be a milestone we are truly proud to celebrate together.”
Glenn Mandziuk, President & CEO of WSHA, said: “The evolution of Hotel Sustainability Basics into an independent certification is a monumental step forward. By aligning this framework with EU standards and integrating it with our Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality, we are providing a seamless, credible roadmap for the global accommodation sector. Together with the upcoming Basics Plus, we are empowering hotels of every size to move confidently from essential practices to verified performance, proving that a united industry can drive truly scalable change.”
The initiative has received support from governments, destinations, hotel companies and organisations across the travel ecosystem, including WSHA, Jin Jiang, Radisson Hotel Group and HBX Group.
According to WTTC, the framework’s focus on a core set of achievable sustainability actions has enabled hotels of different sizes and types to adopt common practices while supporting rapid global implementation. The transition to independent certification is intended to establish a common sustainability framework supported by WTTC, GSTC and WSHA, while reinforcing industry-wide alignment on sustainability expectations across the accommodation sector.
Tags: Gloria Guevara, WTTC Randy Durband, GSTC
