Major hotel operator Accor is partnering with Ecotourism Australia to cement its sustainability credentials.
The goal is to certify all Accor hotels, apartments and resorts across Australia and the Pacific as Sustainable Tourism certified businesses.
The Sustainable Tourism Certification, launched in 2022, is an extension to the existing ECO Certification program. It is recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
Ecotourism Australia assesses businesses across four pillars of sustainability: sustainable management, environmental impacts, cultural impacts, and socio-economic impacts.
Accor partnership is key for Ecotourism Australia
Elissa Keenan, Ecotourism Australia CEO, said the strategic alignment is a key partnership for the business.
“We are delighted that Accor Pacific is leading the industry across Australia and New Zealand with this commitment to achieving international best practice sustainability using Ecotourism Australia’s 30 years’ experience in sustainable tourism.
“Accor’s significant presence across regions, including Ecotourism Australia certified ECO Destinations Port Douglas Daintree, Bundaberg and the Coffs Coast, and 17 other regions currently undertaking certification, and throughout regional areas and capital cities, demonstrates their commitment to sustainability in Australia and the Pacific’s unique environments.”
Sustainability a pillar for Accor growth
Sarah Derry, CEO of Accor Pacific, said sustainability is redefining Accor’s business model.
“We are proud to lead the industry forward by investing in our sustainability actions and activities in the region. Our next phase of growth is built on our powerful sense of social, environmental and economic responsibility,” she said.
Last year Accor Pacific removed 43 single-use plastic items like toiletries from more than 80 per cent of its hotels.
“In 2023 and beyond we are committed to taking these actions further into the removal of single use plastics from back of house operations, micro plastics in laundries and by finding an appropriate long term solution to replace plastic water bottles,” Derry said.
Accor has 19 international brands across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia, including the new bespoke Handwritten Collection.
