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Tokyu Hotels and Resorts has officially joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) this week, marking a shift toward international sustainability benchmarks for the Japanese hospitality sector.
The Tokyo-based company is the first domestic hotel chain in Japan to enroll all of its properties in the non-profit organisation, which manages global standards for sustainable travel.
The move follows the 2019 establishment of the company’s sustainability policy and a subsequent action plan launched in 2022 to address environmental impacts and governance.
Tokyu Hotels will now align its operations with GSTC standards, focusing on human rights, working conditions, and local community relations across its portfolio.
The company plans to use the membership to facilitate the acquisition of formal sustainability certifications at its individual properties through collaboration with local municipalities and partners.
Takashi Takei, president and representative director at Tokyu Hotels and Resorts, said: “We feel a great responsibility as the first Japanese hotel chain to have all of its properties join the GSTC. This is not a demonstration of what we have already done, but a declaration of our commitment to continually improve ourselves in accordance with international standards and diverse values.
“We will earnestly seek to fulfil our role as a hotel operator to ensure Japanese tourism continues to be trusted and chosen by the world.”
Randy Durband, chief executive of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, added: “The GSTC warmly welcomes Tokyu Hotels and Resorts as a member organisation. We appreciate their efforts to improve their sustainability and we are proud to do what we can to support those good efforts.”
