IHG and Accor properties certified under Hotelbeds’ sustainable travel programme

Green Hotel Programme has 15,000 properties endorsed by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council

Hotelbeds has added leading operators IHG Hotels & Resorts and Accor to its Green Hotel Programme.

The initiative was launched in October 2020 to identify, highlight and promote sustainable tourism within the firms’ portfolio.

Hotelbeds said their properties join thousands of hotels now promoted as sustainable to the bed bank’s 60,000 travel trade clients via a ‘green filter’.

Each of the 15,000 properties in the programme are certified through a partnership with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) that sets standards for sustainable travel and tourism.

Criteria centres on four themes: effective sustainability planning; maximising social and economic benefits for the local community; enhancing cultural heritage, and reducing negative impacts on the environment.

Gareth Matthews, marketing, communications and CSR director at Hotelbeds said: “It’s great news that we can officially welcome IHG Hotels & Resorts and Accor to our Green Hotels Programme.

“They are obviously huge players in the industry and their involvement demonstrates the importance now being placed on sustainable tourism in line with the changing preferences of travellers.

“Giving our travel trade clients the ability to easily filter searches for green hotels is becoming increasingly important both for them, but also for hoteliers and chains such as IHG and Accor.

“As leaders in our field, we have a responsibility to make sure the services we offer are bang up to date with the booking trends we see.”

Markus Keller, senior vice president sales and distribution at Accor, added: “As a global industry player, Accor aims to pave the way towards positive hospitality.

“Through its sustainable programme, Planet 21, the Group has always been committed to reducing its impact and offering more sustainable experiences to hotel guests.

“Representing one step further to raise awareness for a greener economy, we are glad to see Accor certified hotels joining The Green Hotels Programme which promotes the industry’s efforts.”

Karin Sheppard, senior vice president and managing director, Europe at IHG Hotels and Resorts, said:

“Caring for our people, communities and planet is at the heart of our purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good, and we know that guests share our passion to protect the beauty and diversity of the world around us.

“We’re proud that our IHG Green Engage environmental management programme has been recognised by Hotelbeds’ Green Hotel Programme, making it simple for those looking to access sustainability information when deciding where to stay.”