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Bangkok, Thailand, August 4, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, Thailand’s first and Asia Pacific’s largest Moxy hotel, continues its Chef Collaboration Series at Sato San Rooftop Bar this August with a new culinary experience. Following the successful Sato San x Kissuisen collaboration with Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse in July, the series returns with another exciting partnership celebrating great food, creative chefs and Bangkok’s rooftop dining scene.

For a limited time, Chef Anothai “Tai” Sridowraek from Sato San Rooftop Bar joins Chef Nintra Suwannakam from Takumi Restaurant at Jubilee Prestige Bangkok Ratchadapisek for the exclusive Sato San x Takumi collaboration, creating a special menu that blends Japanese culinary techniques with bold Thai and Isaan flavours.

SPECIAL | Friday, 21 August 2026 | From 6 PM onwards: Guests are invited to a one-night-only rooftop dining experience at Sato San Rooftop Bar, where both chefs will present the collaboration menu together. Guests can enjoy a Free-Flow Food Package featuring unlimited dishes from the collaboration menu and unlimited soft drinks for THB 1,390++ per person. Seats are limited, and advance reservations are highly recommended. Can’t make it on the special night? The collaboration menu is also available à la carte throughout August 2026, with prices starting from THB 230++.

• Salmon Koi & Beef Tataki (THB 450++): Norwegian salmon, Australian beef tataki, jaew dipping sauce, roasted rice and local herbs.

• Frog Leg Katsu (THB 240++): Crispy panko-coated frog legs with roasted chili tonkatsu and fresh herbs.

• Salmon Belly Katsu (THB 320++): Crispy salmon belly with roasted chili tonkatsu and fresh Isaan herbs.

• Charcoal Dry-aged Catfish (THB 320++): Dry-aged catfish with spicy soy glaze and a smoky charcoal finish.

• Pork Tsukune & Grilled Japanese Rice (THB 230++): Charcoal-grilled pork tsukune served with crispy grilled Japanese rice and Northern Thai chili relish.

The Chef Collaboration Series at Sato San Rooftop Bar will conclude in September 2026 with another limited-time culinary experience featuring Chef Atsushi Yoshida, Japanese Head Chef at JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok and the chef overseeing the culinary operations at Chisana Nami, Erawan Bangkok. More details will be announced soon.

More to Enjoy #ATTHEMOXY

Families can continue to enjoy ‘Kids Eat Free #ATTHEMOXY’, with complimentary breakfast for up to two children aged 12 and under when dining with paying adults. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s à la carte breakfast menu, available daily from 630 AM until 1230 AM.

Happy Hour is available twice daily, with ‘Buy 1 Get 1 Free’ on selected food and beverages from 4 PM to 6 PM and again from 9 PM to 11 PM.

Pets are always welcome #ATTHEMOXY. The hotel’s dedicated Dog Menu features five tasty dishes made especially for furry friends, with prices starting from THB 299++.

Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong is Thailand’s first and Asia Pacific’s largest Moxy hotel, located in the heart of Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong district. The hotel features 504 stylish guestrooms, lively social spaces, Moxy Bar & Restaurant, Sato San Rooftop Bar, and fun experiences designed for travellers who love to play, connect and explore the city. Guests can also subscribe to Moxy Buzz, the hotel’s monthly newsletter, to stay updated on the latest dining offers, rooftop events and hotel news.

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Yokohama, Japan, August 5, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Summer is a wonderful time of year to visit Japan, as festivals illuminate towns and cities across the country with colorful cultural displays, spectacular street parades and sizzling food stalls. For guests who want to immerse themselves in Japanese heritage, many of these festivals offer opportunities to dress up in traditional outfits – such as a kimono or yukata – take fantastic photos and create lifelong memories. BWH® Hotels, a leading global enterprise comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels, invites visitors to feel the spirit of Japan’s summer festivals, while staying in style and comfort all across the country.

Vibrant Street Festivals in Tokyo and Yokohama

In Tokyo, Shibuya Bon Odori is a thrilling summer festival that sees hundreds of brightly dressed dancers take to the streets of Shibuya – famed for its iconic pedestrian crossing. This August, urban explorers can experience this upbeat occasion at Best Western Hotel Fino Tokyo Akasaka or Best Western Hotel Fino Tokyo Akihabara, a choice of modern hotels in two of the capital’s most dynamic downtown districts. In nearby Yokohama, the Minatomirai Dai Bon-Odori is staged at the end of August in Rinko Park, overlooking the city’s famous waterfront. Whilst enjoying two days of exciting activities, revelers can rest and relax at Best Western Hotel Fino Shin-Yokohama, which is just a five-minute walk from JR Shin-Yokohama Station.

Captivating Cultural Occasions in Osaka and Nagoya

Rooted in Japan’s Shinto rituals, Tenjin Matsuri is celebrated every summer in Osaka, and features colorful street parades, river boat processions and dazzling firework displays. Visitors can enjoy this three-day extravaganza at a choice of three Best Western hotels: Best Western Osaka Tsukamoto, a contemporary property just moments from JR Tsukamoto Station, Best Western Plus Hotel Fino Osaka Kitahama, which offers elevated stays close to the Tosahori River, and Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi, a newly-revitalized hotel in the beating heart of Osaka, close to City Hall. A short 50-minute bullet train ride away in Nagoya, Nippon Domannaka Matsuri sees approximately 20,000 dancers perform in original costumes, inspired by the city’s heritage. Located in the lively Sakae district, Best Western Plus Nagoya Sakae is surrounded by the festivities.

Endless Summer Refreshment in Hokkaido

In the northern island of Hokkaido, the annual Sapporo Summer Festival runs for almost a month during July and August. Sapporo’s Odori Park transforms into a vast urban dance arena and beer garden, with live performances and plenty of refreshments from the city’s famous breweries. Just a short drive from Sapporo, Best Western Plus Fino Chitose Hotel is a full-service hotel with modern rooms, a restaurant, a fitness center and great transport links, putting Hokkaido’s many summertime attractions within easy reach.

Tropical Island Festivities in Fukuoka and Okinawa

Japan’s southern islands transform into tropical paradises every summer, with plenty of attractions and activities for culture-seeking explorers. On Kyushu Island, the city of Fukuoka bursts into life with the Nogata Summer Festival, which features spectacular floats, stage performances and dramatic fireworks. Surrounded by stylish bars and cafés, Best Western Plus Fukuoka Tenjin-minami lets travelers feel the pulse of this waterfront city. Finally in Okinawa, Japan’s exotic island jewels, the Nago Summer Festival features food stalls, traditional eisa dancing and live music – wonderful to watch whilst strolling in a summer kimono. When the time comes to unwind, guests can escape to a choice of beachfront hotels: Best Western Resort Okinawa Kouki Beach, where every room offers a balcony with ocean vistas, and Best Western Okinawa Onna Beach, a low-rise resort nestled on a white sand bay.

There’s no better time to experience Japan’s colorful festivals, local traditions and diverse destinations. From vibrant city escapes and island retreats to scenic countryside adventures, travelers can explore the country while staying at Best Western hotels.

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Comoros Islands, August 4, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Faouzia Vitry left her political career in Reunion Island to take up this important mission in Comoros Islands. Mme Vitry took the decision to leave behind the political career where she had at a point in time been elected Vice President of the Regional Council of Reunion. This move to Comoros Islands shows her commitment to contributing to this innovative project which will help ensure a successful 2027 Indian Ocean Games, and also play a supportive role in the country’s development.

Mme Vitry built her name in participating in the public life concentrating on development and regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean where she had the responsibility of developing relations with the group of islands in the Indian Ocean. She was also an elected representative in the Municipal Council of Saint Denis in Reunion, and the elected representative for Community Affairs which has give her the necessary experience in state matters for territory management in institutions and the economy at different levels of the administration.

Faouzia Vitry stood with a budget of some 64 million Euros in her responsibility for the program for consolidating the Indian Ocean Region.

With her experience and proven ability in budgetary administration Faouzia Vitry says she is well prepared to take on this ‘big’ mission in the Comoros Island to oversee the Games Accommodation Village for the 2027 games but with a difference.

Mme Vitry is looking a the Games Accommodation Village with a new opening and one of partnership and an international vision. The accommodation village is targeting the Comorians, the island’s diaspora residing in the four corners of the world and the economic partners in the Indian Ocean. She is proposing a bridge states, opening the needed dialogue with the different existing partners and in so doing offer the Games Accommodation village visibility that will go beyond the local network. “Over and above the accommodation set up, the project could also be the vision of the ability of the Comoros Islands to guide a project structured on good governance, and with the quality needed by regional and international standards with a strict professional base.” said Mme Vitrty.

Faouzia Vitry, after a life at the service of regional cooperation and with many a big project now takes up new responsibilities at the service of the Comoros Islands as the President – Director General of the SPV-SAS-2027, the body set up to create the Indian Ocean Games Accommodation Village for the 2027 Games that will be held in the Comoros Islands. Her responsibility goes way beyond only the organisation of a sporting event, but will go as far as creating a long term accommodation heritage with some 200 villas for the Comoros Islands.

The project that is set to look at putting in place the financing of the whole village project and the construction of this landmark village that will become the new permanent residential village after the games.

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Cape Town, South Africa, July 31, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Every year since its inception in 2020, digital travel trade show OurAfrica.Travel rallies its community to look beyond the meetings, diaries and networking opportunities to  “Nominate a Cause” and then vote for local grassroots charities and projects within the tourism ecosphere that are close to their hearts – quietly doing extraordinary work across Africa.

This year, in partnership with Africa’s Eden, organisers Storm Napier and Allie Hunt invited the wider tourism community, including Africa’s Eden’s Community & Conservation Network and partners, to nominate locally led community and conservation causes making a measurable difference across Africa.

Not only does this give these wonderful charities and projects a much-needed spotlight to showcase their invaluable work during the digital trade show itself, but it also gives two causes the opportunity to win a R20,000 donation on behalf of the show.

Following the vetting process, eighteen exceptional organisations were selected for consideration. A round of applause for all our 2026 finalists… but it gives OurAfrica.Travel great pleasure and pride to announce its two champions!

Conservation Champion – Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust South Luangwa Valley, Zambia

Chipembele has been quietly changing the story of conservation in Zambia for years – not through fences and rangers alone, but through classrooms and communities. Based in the South Luangwa Valley, they run environmental education programmes for local schoolchildren and communities, with the belief that the next generation of conservationists should come from the land they’re protecting.

“It is especially meaningful that our environmental education work in the South Luangwa Valley has been acknowledged. We firmly believe that lasting conservation success depends on empowering local communities and inspiring young people to become active stewards of their natural heritage, and we are grateful that this vision resonates with your initiative.”

– Evie Ndhlovu, Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust

Congratulations to the Chipembele team – your dedication to education as a conservation tool is exactly the kind of thinking this initiative was built to celebrate!

Community Champion – Uthando (Love) South Africa Cape Town, South Africa

Uthando – meaning “love” in Zulu – does something beautifully simple: it takes the power of tourism and points it directly at communities that need it most. Through curated social tours and partnerships with over 65 grassroots initiatives across Cape Town, Uthando channels visitor time, attention and money into real, lasting change.

“We will allocate R10K to the 4th Pitch for Peace that is being built in Hanover Park. A Few weeks ago we held a massively successful Mini World Cup between all of the schools with pitches. The children and staff were overjoyed. The other R10K will buy a tyre for Phase 3 Goal50 which we are launching this week. Thank you again for this great honour.”

– James Fernie, Uthando

Congratulations to James and the Uthando team. You’ve shown what it looks like when tourism truly gives back

A sincere “Thank you” 

Choosing two champions from eighteen deserving causes was not easy. We want to make sure every finalist is recognised – each one was vetted, credible, and doing work that matters. Conservation finalists included The Endangered Wildlife Trust and the Conservation Travel Foundation whilst Community finalists included the Surfpop Foundation and Travel for Impact, in collaboration with Impact Fund.  An Honourable mention also goes to Jafunta Foundation – a rare cause that bridges both categories, working at the intersection of community, wildlife and conservation in Victoria Falls.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate. You all made this possible!  As always, we remain #StrongerTogether!

Stay tuned for our 2027 dates announcement, coming very soon. Agents and tour operators should head over to our website to register your interest and be the first to know.

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Phuket, Thailand, July 31, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Banyan Tree Phuket today announced the launch of Table of Legends, an exclusive new seasonal dining series at Saffron, the resort’s signature Thai restaurant. Created to celebrate Thailand’s extraordinary culinary heritage, the series brings together some of the country’s most respected chefs and culinary institutions to showcase the finest seasonal ingredients from every region of Thailand through a series of exclusive collaborative dining experiences.

The inaugural edition, taking place on 7–8 August 2026, is presented in collaboration with Blue Elephant Phuket, one of Thailand’s most celebrated culinary institutions and a global ambassador of Heritage Thai cuisine. The event welcomes Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, Master Chef and Founder of Blue Elephant, who joins Chef Tipa-Tipaporn Phianthong and Chef Kai-Worapong Paenchoo of Saffron to create a specially curated five-course menu inspired by Thailand’s exceptional seasonal produce and rich regional culinary traditions.

More than a guest chef collaboration, Table of Legends is envisioned as an ongoing culinary platform celebrating Thailand’s agricultural abundance, indigenous ingredients and diverse gastronomic traditions. Each edition will feature distinguished chefs and renowned restaurants, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience Thai cuisine through unique creative collaborations while supporting local producers and preserving Thailand’s culinary legacy.

“Blue Elephant and Saffron share the same pride and passion for Thai cuisine. We believe Thailand’s culinary heritage deserves to be celebrated and recognised around the world. Bringing our kitchens together to explore exceptional local ingredients and create something meaningful is truly exciting,” said Master Chef Nooror, Blue Elephant

For Chef Worapong, whose culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in Southern Thai traditions, the collaboration is an opportunity to honour the flavours that shaped his career.

“Thai food is memory for me—the flavours I grew up with and have dedicated my life to preserving. Table of Legends allows us to share that heritage with guests while celebrating the incredible ingredients found throughout Thailand,” said Chef Worapong, Saffron, Banyan Tree Phuket.

Chef Tipaporn, whose contemporary interpretation of Thai cuisine is inspired by years of international culinary experience, believes exceptional ingredients are at the heart of every memorable dish.

“Discovering rare herbs, fruits and ingredients from local communities inspires every menu we create. These remarkable products allow Thai cuisine to continue evolving while remaining true to its roots,” said Chef Tipaporn, Saffron, Banyan Tree Phuket.

Together, Banyan Tree Phuket and Blue Elephant Phuket invite guests to discover the richness of Thailand’s culinary heritage through an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates craftsmanship, collaboration and the country’s finest seasonal ingredients.

Event Details

Dates: 7–8 August 2026
Time: 6.30 pm (Welcome Cocktail & Canapés)
Venue: Saffron, Banyan Tree Phuket
Price: THB 4,900 net per person
THB 6,900 net per person with wine pairing
Early Bird: 15% savings
Reservations: https://bit.ly/saffron-phuket-blue-elephant
Telephone: +66 (0)76 372 400

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London, United Kingdom, July 31, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / From September 2026, Vox Is Bringing Bluetooth Connectivity to Guided Tours, So Guests Can Listen Through the Earphones and Hearing Aids They Already Own

For 25 years, Vox has worked to make sure every guest on a guided tour hears every word. It provides comfortable headphones for everyone, including over-the-ear sets designed to sit easily over hearing aids. Travel has changed in that time. Most guests now carry their own wireless earbuds, and a growing number of hearing aids connect over Bluetooth. That raised a simple question from guests: could I just use my own?

From September 2026, they can. Vox is introducing Vox BT, new technology that brings Bluetooth connectivity to guided tours. A guest can pair their own wireless earphones or Bluetooth hearing aids and hear the guide directly, with no complicated setup. It works across Vox’s existing tour systems, so operators have nothing to replace.

“What I love about Vox BT is how natural it feels for guests,” said Fabio Primerano, CEO of Vox. “Picture a group in a busy cathedral. One person is listening through their own earbuds, another is hearing the guide stream straight into their hearing aids, and everyone is following the same tour in the way that suits them best. We listened to what guests were asking for, and then went a step further. This is an industry first, and we are proud to be the ones behind it.”

For operators, it is a quiet but powerful upgrade. It is a simple addition rather than a change to how they work. The clearest benefit is for guests who rely on hearing aids. Someone with Bluetooth hearing aids can now receive the guide’s commentary through their own devices, without straining to catch detail over city or crowd noise. For the many travellers who depend on hearing aids every day, it quietly removes a familiar frustration.

The update comes as accessible travel becomes a bigger priority across tourism. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.5 billion people live with some degree of hearing loss, and around 430 million need rehabilitation for disabling hearing loss, a figure expected to rise as populations age. As more hearing aids ship with Bluetooth as standard, more guests already carry the technology needed to receive audio directly, including on a guided tour.

There is an environmental gain, too. Vox already gives guests headphones and takes them back to be recycled, so nothing goes to waste. Vox BT builds on that: when guests bring their own earphones, there is even less to distribute and handle, extending an approach Vox already has in place.

Vox BT builds on the momentum of Vox Aura, Vox’s AI transmitter, now a smart companion that helps guides answer anything, adds live subtitles, and speaks the guest’s language in up to 200 languages. The same tour can be shaped differently for a family, a specialist group, or a first-time visitor, each on their own channel. And when there’s no network, Aura keeps working, streaming pre-loaded multilingual content straight from the device. The thread is the same: listen closely, then go a step further.

Vox BT launches in September 2026. Operators who would like to be among the first to offer it can find out more and register their interest at Vox Tours.

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Bangkok, Thailand, July 29, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit proudly welcomes back one of its most beloved creations, Steamed French Snow Fish with Black Bean Sauce, available from now until 31 August 2026.

Expertly prepared by Wah Lok’s culinary team, this elegant Cantonese dish showcases premium French snow fish, prized for its exceptionally tender texture, delicate flavour, and rich omega-3 content. The fish is gently steamed to preserve its natural richness and finished with a savoury black bean sauce that enhances its flavour while maintaining perfect balance and harmony.

Priced at THB 1,680++ per dish, this refined seafood offering is ideal for both business dining and special gatherings, delivering a nourishing and sophisticated culinary experience.

To further elevate your meal, enjoy 20% savings when pairing the Dish of the Month with the Beverages of the Month. Thoughtfully selected to complement the delicate flavours of the snow fish, this pairing creates a well-rounded dining experience that brings together exceptional cuisine and refreshing beverages.

Experience the timeless elegance of Cantonese cuisine, crafted with premium ingredients and meticulous attention to detail, only at Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant.

Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant

Level 2, Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit

Lunch: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm

Dinner: 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), together with public and private sector partners including department stores, shopping malls, credit card providers, airlines, travel platforms, and leading tourism-related establishments, is presenting the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2026 under the concept “Unforgettable Experience of Thai Brands”.

The campaign encourages both Thai and international tourists to enjoy a special shopping experience that goes beyond mere discounts. It highlights the charm of Thai products, services, and brands through engaging experiences that combine shopping, dining, travel, and lifestyle elements. The campaign will run from June 15 to August 15, 2026. Tourists can take part in special activities by spending at participating establishments. To participate, they must register their receipts on the campaign’s website in order to receive exclusive privileges and enter for a chance to win various prizes.

The available activities include:

1. Go Shop Get Bag
Tourists who spend 2,000 baht or more in a single transaction at participating establishments can register their receipts online to redeem a special souvenir shopping bag at the redemption point of each participating store.

2. Once Shop One Prize
Tourists who purchase goods totaling 2,000 baht and register their receipts on the campaign’s website will be entered into a draw to win special prizes, including EV cars and travel packages, with a total value exceeding 1,000,000 baht.

3. Shop On Top
The top 10 tourists with the highest spending at participating establishments will receive limited-edition products from stylish Thai designer brands, with a total prize value of 200,000 baht.

Additionally, there is an activity for participating establishments, the “Top Seller” activity. Establishments that reach certain sales milestones will receive recognition plaques based on their total sales during the campaign. Prizes are categorized into Diamond level, valued at 10 million baht; Gold level, valued at 5 million baht; Silver level, valued at 3 million baht; and Bronze level, valued at 500,000 baht.

TAT is also offering numerous special privileges and discounts for tourists to claim via the campaign’s website: www.tourismthailand.org/amazingthailandgrandsale. Tourists can apply the offers immediately at participating locations, including shopping malls and department stores like Central Group, The Mall Group, Siam Piwat, One Bangkok, MBK Center, Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center, Jungceylon Shopping Center, Terminal 21, Asiatique The Riverfront, King Power Duty Free Co., Ltd., CP Axtra Public Company Limited, and Gateway Ekamai, as well as payment methods like Mastercard, Visa Thailand, UnionPay, and the TrueMoney application. Additionally, shopping platforms like Shopee and Lazada, travel platforms like Agoda, and accommodations such as Sri Panwa Phuket Luxury Pool Villa Hotel, Baba Beach Club Hua Hin, The Sukosol Bangkok, The Nimman Hotel, Ava Hotel Udon Thani, Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort, and Fah Lanna Spa will be part of this campaign.

For more information about the campaign, activities, and special privileges, please visit www.tourismthailand.org/amazingthailandgrandsale or contact the LINE Official Account: @thailandgrandsale

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Madrid, Spain, July 29, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today announced that its Hotel Sustainability Basics programme will transition to an independent third-party certification scheme, aligned with new European Union requirements for environmental claims and designed to meet the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Accreditation Framework.

The move strengthens Hotel Sustainability Basics as a globally recognised framework for hotel sustainability, providing independent verification, greater transparency, and a credible pathway for hotels to demonstrate their sustainability performance in line with evolving regulatory and market expectations.

Since its launch in 2022, Hotel Sustainability Basics has been adopted by more than 8,000 hotels across 85 countries, developed by the industry, for the industry, and with support from Greenview, a global leader in sustainability and ESG data solutions for the hospitality and Travel & Tourism industries. The framework sets out 12 practical actions covering energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, emissions, support for local communities, and protection of nature. Designed to be accessible to hotels of every size and type, it has established a common foundation for sustainability action across the global accommodation sector.

The enhanced certification programme responds to the EU Directive on Empowering Consumers for Green Transition (Directive (EU) 2024/825), which introduces stricter requirements for environmental claims. Through independent third-party certification and alignment with the GSTC Accreditation Framework, Hotel Sustainability Basics will provide hotels with a robust and internationally recognised approach to sustainability assurance, helping strengthen confidence among travellers, businesses, governments and investors.

Hotels already participating in the programme are not required to take immediate action. WTTC and its verification partners, including SGS, will provide further guidance and support throughout the transition to the new certification model.

Later this year, WTTC will also introduce Basics Plus, developed with and endorsed by the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA), providing hotels with the next stage in their sustainability journey. Together, Hotel Sustainability Basics and Basics Plus will form the foundation of the WSHA’s Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality, offering hotels a clear roadmap from essential sustainability practices to independently verified performance.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said:

“Hotel Sustainability Basics has demonstrated that sustainability can be practical, achievable and scalable, with thousands of hotels already taking meaningful action around the world. By strengthening the programme through independent certification, we are giving hotels a globally recognised framework that reflects evolving regulatory expectations while building greater trust and confidence in sustainability claims. Together with Basics Plus, we are creating a clear pathway that enables hotels of all sizes to continue progressing on their sustainability journey.”

Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC, said:

“This marks an important moment for the hospitality industry, strengthening alignment around credible and consistent approaches to hotel sustainability. The GSTC accreditation of WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics will reflect what can be achieved through a shared commitment to meaningful progress. It will be a milestone we are truly proud to celebrate together.”

Glenn Mandziuk, President & CEO of the WSHA, said:

“The evolution of Hotel Sustainability Basics into an independent certification is a monumental step forward. By aligning this framework with EU standards and integrating it with our Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality, we are providing a seamless, credible roadmap for the global accommodation sector. Together with the upcoming Basics Plus, we are empowering hotels of every size to move confidently from essential practices to verified performance, proving that a united industry can drive truly scalable change.”

Strong Industry Support Highlights the Value and Scalability of the Initiative

The success of the Basics to date reflects strong industry-wide backing. The initiative has been supported by governments, destinations, hotel groups and key stakeholders across the Travel & Tourism ecosystem, including the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA), Jin Jiang, Radisson Hotel Group and HBX Group.

The framework’s strength lies in its simplicity and universality. By focusing on a core set of achievable actions, it has enabled hotels of all types to take meaningful first steps towards sustainability, while creating a common baseline for the industry. This approach has facilitated rapid global adoption and demonstrated the power of industry-led collaboration in driving progress at scale.

This transition sends a strong message of industry alignment on hotel sustainability expectations, establishing a clear, credible framework and certification that brings together the expertise of WTTC, GSTC and WSHA. It also marks the full maturity of this impactful, industry-led effort, demonstrating the Travel & Tourism sector’s ability to define what is practically achievable and drive sustainability progress at scale.

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