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Some 14 global hotel companies have come together to launch the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance today (1 October), with the aim of creating a “renewed vision of responsible hospitality for a better world”.
The organisation takes forward the work of International Tourism Partnership, its global youth employment programme, Youth Career Initiative, and sustainability communications platform, Green Hotelier.
Current alliance members comprise a quarter (25%) of the global hotel industry by rooms, including Marriott International, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt and Radisson.
The group stated it will work with senior hotel executives to assess the “key social and environmental challenges,” and prioritise their activities and programmes where they can collectively deliver the most positive impact.
SHA also said that as the world begins to “recover” from the covid-19 pandemic, the hospitality industry can play an important role in “mitigating against the risks that may arise from people’s increased vulnerability, while also ensuring that the industry builds back stronger and more sustainable”.
Chair of the alliance, Wolfgang M Neumann, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has cemented the sector’s commitment to corporate responsibility and given a renewed focus on building back better.
“While this is a time of great change for the world, and our industry, our members remain committed to addressing the issues that impact our planet and its people, and working together for a more sustainable and resilient future.”
He added: “We are grateful to BITC for the fruitful partnership and successful incubation period which has enabled the Alliance to begin operating independently.”
Madhu Rajesh, CEO of Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, added: “The industry has the collective strength to drive meaningful action on major issues.
“It is important that we use this scale to foster inclusive environments where new opportunities are reaching those who need them the most, while also building on the commitment and momentum we’ve seen towards sustainability over recent years.”
