Accor’s recent milestone achievement highlights its unwavering dedication to sustainability, as the company celebrates having 100 of its hotels in Australia certified by Ecotourism Australia for Sustainable Tourism. This significant progress sets a strong foundation toward Accor’s ambitious goal of obtaining Sustainable Tourism Certification for 100% of its properties in the Pacific region by the end of 2025.
Milestone Achievement
The certification of the 100th hotel, the Novotel Sydney City Centre, underscores Accor’s commitment to environmentally responsible tourism and sustainable practices. This milestone is part of the broader strategy to transform the hotel industry’s operations and enhance the guest experience through sustainability. Accor’s global sustainability strategy focuses on three main areas: transitioning to sustainable food models, setting industry standards for sustainable travel, and continually enhancing guest experiences.
Broader Strategy
Accor’s efforts to align with global sustainability standards are comprehensive and methodical, including a rigorous certification process. Achieving Sustainable Tourism Certification involves meeting over 200 key indicators that cover environmental, socio-economic, cultural, and responsible management principles. This detailed process entails an independent third-party audit, as well as an ongoing commitment to sustainability with periodic re-audits to maintain certification.
Certification Process
The importance of sustainable certifications is emphasized by Adrian Williams, Accor Pacific’s COO PM&E. Williams points out that these certifications not only enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness of their hotels but also meet the increasing demand from travelers and corporate clients for responsible travel options. By certifying 100 properties, Accor is evidently responding to a pivotal industry shift towards sustainability.
Industry Impact
Notably, 30% of the certified hotels are strategically located in the central business districts of Sydney and Melbourne. These locations are vital for catering to the sustainability requirements and business needs of corporate clients, solidifying Accor’s position as a leader in sustainable hospitality.
Strategic Locations
Elissa Keenan, CEO of Ecotourism Australia, lauds Accor’s leadership in sustainability and the meaningful partnership that aims to certify all Australian properties by 2025. The certification process aligns with Ecotourism Australia’s long-standing tradition of upholding global sustainability standards, refined through 30 years of experience in the field.
Sustainability Partnerships
The increasing demand for third-party sustainability certifications among travelers and corporate clients is a clear trend shaping the hospitality industry. Accor’s long-term commitment is underscored by its ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, adhering to the Paris Agreement mandates and validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This commitment is further evidenced by Accor’s active involvement in the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and the Hospitality Alliance for Responsible Procurement, reflecting its dedication to leading by example and setting new industry standards.
Trends and Consensus
Accor has reached a key milestone, underscoring its steadfast commitment to sustainability. The company proudly announces that 100 of its hotels in Australia have received Sustainable Tourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia. This achievement reflects Accor’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices across its operations, aligning with global sustainability trends and guest preferences for responsible travel options. More importantly, this progress provides a robust platform for Accor’s ambitious plan to secure Sustainable Tourism Certification for all its properties in the Pacific region by the end of 2025. Meeting this target will further demonstrate Accor’s leadership in sustainable hospitality and its dedication to preserving the environment while offering exceptional guest experiences. By continuing to innovate and implement best practices, Accor aims to not only meet but exceed industry standards for sustainability, setting an example for other hospitality providers to follow. This milestone is just one step in their broader strategy to foster environmental stewardship and social responsibility across the hospitality sector.
