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Press Release Sustainability

The Leading Hotels of the World Announces Sustainability Leaders Collection

The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), more than 400 independent luxury hotels in over 80 countries, is proud to unveil their Sustainability Leaders collection. From modern metropolitan towers to tented jungle sanctuaries, the collection was created to recognize Leading Hotels that are committed to preserving the environment and the cherished values and cultural heritage of their destinations.

LHW, Vireo, Green Globe Certification, Travelife for Accommodation, Green Key Global and Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
The Leading Hotels of the World Announces Sustainability Leaders Collection

Photo by LHW

The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), more than 400 independent luxury hotels in over 80 countries, is proud to unveil their Sustainability Leaders collection. From modern metropolitan towers to tented jungle sanctuaries, the collection was created to recognize Leading Hotels that are committed to preserving the environment and the cherished values and cultural heritage of their destinations.

With deep-rooted connections to their communities and surrounding environments, more than 50 Leading Hotels are currently recognized as a Sustainability Leader. The designation signifies that the hotel has achieved a sustainable certification aligned to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Industry Criteria. LHW is a member of the GSTC, the premier global authority in setting and managing standards for sustainable tourism worldwide since 2010.

A Leading Hotel with the Sustainability Leaders recognition has been rigorously evaluated and received at least one, or more, GSTC accredited certification or certification to a GSTC-Recognized Standard. LHW has partnered with Vireo Srl (GSTC-Accredited Certification Body) as well as Green Globe, Green Key Global, and Travelife (all use a GSTC-recognized standard) to offer its hotels resources and tools to advance their sustainability strategies.

All Sustainability Leaders actively maintain a sustainability management plan and demonstrate their commitment through actions and impact against three pillars:

  • Environment: Sustainability Leaders are committed to mindful and responsible consumption of resources, investment in renewable energy and preserving natural habitats. They actively minimize use of resources while finding ways to recycle and reuse waste, water and materials. They leverage their geographical locations to use renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal. From propagating native plant species and establishing wildlife corridors, Sustainability Leaders are protectors of their surroundings’ landscapes and progressive stewards of biodiversity.
  • Community: Sustainability Leaders nurture relationships, empower economic growth and enrich communities through health and education programs. They ensure equal employment opportunities for residents at all levels of hierarchy and champion personal growth among their teams. They buy from local farmers and artisans and encourage guests to do the same. Sustainability Leaders have launched impactful social programs focused on education, health, and climate change to enrich local lives.
  • Culture: Sustainability Leaders protect and celebrate the local history and tradition of their destination through education and philanthropy. They provide educational and authentic experiences for guests to immerse themselves in local culinary, art and spiritual traditions. They honor the history of their destination and are committed to protecting buildings and sites of cultural, archaeological and spiritual significance.

Explore all of LHW’s Sustainability Leaders and look for the badge denoting the celebrated Sustainability Leaders throughout LHW.com.

About The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (LHW)

 Comprised of more than 425 hotels in over 80 countries, LHW is the largest collection of independent luxury hotels. In 1928, 38 independent hoteliers came together to create LHW. Since then, the Company has carefully curated distinctive hotels, resorts, inns, chalets, villas, and safari camps from the snow-capped Alps of Europe to the African veldt, to share them with adventurous souls who seek the remarkably uncommon. The LHW community is filled of exceptional individuals, united by a passion for the surprising discoveries and details that come with every experience. LHW hoteliers are artisans of hospitality whose expertise, commitment to excellence, and individual flair allows them to create story-worthy moments for their guests. And it is these authentic, individualized experiences combined with the warm hospitality and high-touch service they provide that keeps discerning travelers returning again and again. LHW's collection covers the globe and promises a broad range of destinations and uncommon experiences, enhanced by LHW's tiered guest loyalty program Leaders Club. From converted former palaces, and countryside retreats run by the same families for generations, to gleaming skyscrapers in dynamic urban centers, serene private island escapes, glamorous tented camps – and beyond – explore, find inspiration, and experience unforgettable travel moments. For more information visit: www.lhw.com, Facebook at @LeadingHotels, Twitter at @LeadingHotels and Instagram @leadinghotelsoftheworld.

About Green Key Global

Green Key Global is a leading international environmental certification body that offers standardized programs and resources, designed specifically for the hotel and meetings industries. Affordable programs, including the Green Key Eco-Rating and the Green Key Meetings Programs, help our members leverage organizational corporate social responsibility activities and support sustainable initiatives across their properties and brands to benefit the environment and improve fiscal performance and community relations. With over 20 participating countries and a notable mix of branded and independent members, Green Key Global is truly the hotel and lodging industry's sustainable certification program of choice. 

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is a global initiative dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism efforts around the world. The GSTC works to promote sustainable tourism practices and advocates for the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, the global baseline standards for sustainability in travel and tourism. http://www.gstcouncil.org

Media Contact

Noelle Kudelko

Specialist, Communications, LHW [email protected]

Sustainability Sustainability
LHW
Consortia

The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. is the prestigious luxury marketing organization representing 400 of the world's finest hotels. Headquartered in New York City, the company maintains a network of 18 regional offices in key cities around the world. Anticipating the demands of the sophisticated consumer for a complete luxury lifestyle experience, the company has taken the initiative of creating numerous partnerships and brand extensions...

Vireo
Supplier

Vireo is a Certification Body that was established in 2010, located in Padova, in the northeastern region of Italy. With a primary focus on sustainability, the range of services of the Vireo Srl is designed to assist companies and organizations across various industries in implementing sustainable management practices for their businesses and effectively conveying their commitment to sustainability.

Green Globe Certification
Supplier

Green Globe Certification provides certification, training & education, and marketing services in 83 countries worldwide. Based in Los Angeles, California and with partners in Mexico, South America, South Africa, Middle East, the Caribbean and Europe, Green Globe Certification provides certification for the sustainable operations and management of travel and tourism companies and their related supplier businesses.

Travelife for Accommodation
Supplier

Travelife for Accommodation is an internationally recognised accommodation sustainability programme that certifies hotels of all sizes around the world. Travelife’s >GSTC recognised standard is one of the most comprehensive and robust accommodation sustainability certifications, with requirements covering all areas of sustainability such as the environment, greenhouse emissions, fair labour, human rights, child safeguarding and animal welfare.

Green Key Global
Supplier

Green Key Global is the leading international environmental certification body offering standardized programs and resources, designed specifically for the hotel and meetings industries. Best-in-class third-party certification programs Green Key Eco-Rating and Green Key Meetings, leverage corporate social responsibility and support sustainable initiatives across the industry to benefit the environment and improve fiscal performance.

Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
Association

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC) establishes and manages global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are two sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, and Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators. They are the result of a worldwide effort to develop a common language about sustainability in tourism.