WTTC Transitions Hotel Sustainability Basics to Third-Party Certification Framework

WTTC Updates Sustainability Program with Third-Party Verification for Hotels

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced that its Hotel Sustainability Basics program will transition to an independent third-party certification model. The updated framework is aligned with the European Union’s Directive on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (Directive (EU) 2024/825) and is designed to meet the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Accreditation Framework.

The move introduces independent verification into the program and is intended to support transparency in how hotels report and demonstrate sustainability practices. It also reflects evolving regulatory requirements and increased scrutiny around environmental claims within the travel and tourism sector.

Launched in 2022, Hotel Sustainability Basics has been adopted by more than 8,000 hotels across 85 countries. The framework outlines 12 actions focused on areas such as energy and water use, waste management, emissions, community engagement, and environmental protection. It is structured to be applicable across different types and sizes of hotel operations.

Under the revised model, participating hotels will be able to obtain certification through third-party verification. WTTC stated that hotels currently enrolled in the program will not be required to take immediate action, with further guidance to be provided during the transition period in collaboration with verification partners, including SGS.

The update aligns the program with international sustainability standards and aims to provide a consistent approach for stakeholders, including travelers, businesses, and investors, to assess sustainability performance.

WTTC also confirmed plans to introduce an additional tier, “Basics Plus,” later this year. Developed with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA), the new tier is intended to support hotels in advancing beyond initial sustainability actions. Together, the two frameworks will contribute to WSHA’s Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality, which outlines a progression from baseline practices to verified sustainability 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.”

Industry organizations including GSTC have indicated that the updated framework supports alignment across sustainability standards in the hospitality sector.

The program continues to receive participation from hotel groups, destinations, and industry stakeholders, including organizations such as Jin Jiang, Radisson Hotel Group, and HBX Group. The adoption of a standardized set of actions has contributed to its implementation across multiple markets.

The transition to third-party certification represents a shift in how sustainability frameworks are structured within the accommodation sector, with increased emphasis on verification and alignment with regulatory frameworks.

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