Phoenix, Arizona – Recognizing the importance for the hospitality industry to take the lead on addressing our most significant global challenges and on establishing sustainability programs that meet evolving guest expectations, BWH Hotel Group is doubling down on its commitment to environmental and social responsibility across its expansive global portfolio. Alongside its engagement with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, BWH Hotel Group has created a new global sustainability strategic initiative, called “Because We Care,” which will focus on three important pillars: Earth, People and Community (EPC). BWH Hotel Group is celebrating the significant efforts its hotels across nearly 100 countries have already undertaken to embrace sustainability in all forms.

“With each passing year, the need for more responsible and sustainable travel increases in importance,” said Larry Cuculic, President and Chief Executive Officer, BWH Hotel Group. “We, as members of the global hospitality community, cannot afford to sit on the sidelines and wait for change to happen. That is why we applaud the momentous efforts our hotels and resorts around the world are already taking to enact sustainable-driven initiatives.”

“The hospitality industry is focused on addressing our most significant global challenges,” said Ron Pohl, President of International Operations and WorldHotels. “This is a collective effort, with every hotel brand, hotel owner and hotel employee feeling empowered to do their part. I am proud of the steps we have taken with even bolder changes at BWH Hotel Group with the evolution of our Because We Care program, and in the meantime, I am thrilled to support our hoteliers who are already making great strides in areas of sustainability.”

While there are many initiatives taking place across the BWH Hotel Group portfolio dedicated to reducing their environmental footprint, the following represent just a few examples of how individual properties are going above and beyond in addressing sustainability.

Prestige Hotels & Resorts in Canada

With nine of its hotels in British Columbia, Canada recently joining the WorldHotels Collection portfolio of independent hotels and resorts, Prestige Hotels & Resorts is committed to the GreenStep Sustainable Tourism program, with Sustainable Tourism Certifications across its properties. As part of the chain’s numerous initiatives, efforts include its Go Green Program, which encourages guests to opt-out of housekeeping services in exchange for dining credits or reward points, and enacts fundraising and donation efforts in support of JoeAnne’s House, a charity that provides comfortable accommodations for family members of patients needing to stay around the Kelowna General Hospital.

Best Western Plus Kamloops Hotel in Canada

Located in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, Best Western Plus Kamloops Hotel is a Green Key rated property and Biosphere committed entity. The hotel’s on-property sustainability initiatives include two EV charging stations, compostable singles use dishes, and geothermal heated hot tubs and pools. The property also sources as many supplies as possible from local vendors within 100 miles of the hotel.

Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria in Germany

Located in Freiburg, Germany, Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria has garnered numerous awards for its environmental programs over the last 20 years. The hotel’s initiatives include the implementation of 200 square meters of solar panels and four wind turbines, environmentally friendly cleaning agents and reduced water usages, wood pellet heating and cold-water cooling systems, and extensive waste reduction methods amongst many others. Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria is also a member of Sleep Green Hotels, Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), Innovation Academy, Energieagentur Regio Freiburg, Green City Cluster Freiburg, which all play a role in fostering responsible hospitality practices.

BWH Hotel Group Properties in Great Britain

Across Great Britain, BWH Hotel Group has partnered with QIA Services, an industry leading independent rating body for the service sector, for all of its hotels in the destination. The brand is working with them as its preferred partner for sustainability with its accreditation scheme, REST, which stands for Responsible, Ethical, Sustainable Tourism. Each BWH Hotel Group property in Great Britain is assessed and receives official accreditation from QIA Services, ensuring quality offerings for guests.

Best Western Hotel Mediterraneo in Spain

Located in Castelldefels, Spain, Best Western Hotel Mediterraneo recently achieved the Biosphere Sustainable Certified distinguishment. Assessed through Spain’s Instituto de Turismo Responsible (ITR), this certification recognizes the property’s dedication to sustainability through its range of green efforts including its fight against pollution and water consumption.

Best Western Plus Westlands in Kenya

Located in Nairobi, Kenya, Best Western Plus Westlands has implemented several community focused initiatives to help improve the area’s sustainability. The hotel leads various Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, including giving back to a local children’s home, as well as upcoming plans to engage with David Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage to adopt a baby Elephant and participate in tree planting this upcoming Earth Day. Its on-property energy and waste reduction methods include a linen recycling program, motion light sensors in meeting and common areas, cooking oil recycling, and waste sorting and plastic recycling through a third party.

Caravelle Saigon in Vietnam

A member of the WorldHotels Elite Collection, Caravelle Saigon has upgraded stays with new and innovative environmental programs and practices. The property has secured its ‘Earth Check’ gold certificate and is the first and only property in Vietnam to achieve the certification. As part of this certification, the hotel implemented a glass and refillable water project to remove single-use plastics; outfitted newly renovated guestrooms with electricity saving LED bulbs and double-glazed windows to reduce air conditioning workload; and provides guests with biodegradable toothbrushes, shavers, and combs made from wheat husks. Caravelle Saigon also won the Best Green Business Award from the European Chamber of Commerce in 2023.

About BWH Hotel Group®

BWH Hotel Group is a leading, global hospitality network comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels™ Collection, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotel Group®. The global network boasts approximately 4,500 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*. With 19 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market.

*Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.