Accor has secured Ecotourism Australia’s Sustainable Tourism Certification of 100 hotels and growing in Australia, just over a year after announcing their partnership, with the operator edging closer to its goal of having its whole Pacific network certified by the end of next year.
The 100 hotels, resorts and apartments, which span all states and territories, have implemented global best-practice sustainable tourism standards to achieve certification, representing a major commitment to environmental, socio-economic, cultural and responsible management principles.
“We have proudly reached the significant milestone of 100 Sustainable Tourism Certified hotels across the country, with Novotel Sydney City Centre being the landmark 100th certification,” said Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PM&E, Adrian Williams, who says the achievement underscores the company’s commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism.
“Sustainable Tourism Certification not only enhances the competitiveness and attractiveness of our hotels but also boosts operational excellence and revenue generation,” Williams said.
“This achievement aligns perfectly with the expectations of today’s travellers and our corporate clients, who increasingly seek responsible options and prefer hotels with third-party sustainable certifications.
“We will continue to strive for excellence in sustainability and set new benchmarks for the industry.”
Of the 100 certified hotels, 30% are strategically located in the central business districts of Sydney and Melbourne, and a third are located in Queensland.
“Our Queensland hotels have totally embraced the initiative,” Williams said.
“Queensland’s tourism success is heavily based on the state’s reputation for nature-based tourism, and our hotels are responding to the strong demand of travellers for a more sustainable approach to tourism and accommodation.”
Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive Officer, Elissa Keenan, said the process to get certified is lengthy and rigorous.
“Achieving Certification is a rigorous process, involving over 200 key indicators across the four pillars of sustainability and strong business practices,” Keenan said.
“It can take up to twelve months and includes an independent third-party audit before Certification is awarded. Hotels must demonstrate ongoing commitment, with periodic independent audits required to maintain Certification.
“Accor continues to demonstrate their industry leadership through commitment to authentic sustainability, drawing on Ecotourism Australia’s 30 years’ experience upholding globally recognised sustainable tourism standards.
“We are pleased to see Accor Pacific are making significant commitment to, and progress on achieving their goal to certify every hotel in the world and reaching this incredible milestone in our region.
“It has been remarkable witnessing each of the hundred properties take up the challenge and demonstrate spirited enthusiasm toward their certification, implementing a range of creative and impactful solutions to sustainability challenges.
“Ecotourism Australia looks forward to continuing to support Accor and its properties on their sustainability journey.”