As the CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, I am proud to witness the transformative journey our industry is undertaking towards sustainability.
The hospitality industry, with its vast global footprint and multifaceted network of supply chains, has a unique responsibility to lead in sustainability. At the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, we have developed a Net Positive Pathway that provides such tools and guidance for measuring and improving carbon, water, and waste management. This pathway is built on four foundational pillars: people, planet, place, and prosperity. It is about giving back to the destination, upholding human rights, and ensuring that our operations benefit the communities and environments in which we operate.
Our approach includes a suite of engaging webinars and a revolutionary business simulation designed for training hospitality leaders and educators in net-positive management. These educational tools are crafted to provide practical, hands-on experiences that illustrate the complexities and rewards of sustainable practices. By equipping hospitality professionals with these skills, we ensure they can lead their organizations toward a sustainable future, making informed decisions that benefit both their businesses and the broader environment.
Partnership with ICHRIE: bringing sustainability to classrooms
One of the most significant strides we have made is our partnership with the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE). With over 200 members from global hospitality universities and schools, ICHRIE is a critical partner in our mission to embed sustainability into the core of hospitality education.
We work closely with ICHRIE to integrate sustainable knowledge and skills into the curriculum. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that the next generation of hospitality professionals is well-versed in net positive solutions. Through training and development programs, advancing tools, and supporting research, we are creating a catalyst for systems change within the industry.
A broader vision for a sustainable future
The Alliance’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond education and training. We are actively involved in the harmonization of standards and reporting, advancing the establishment of a World Academy for Sustainable Hospitality, and launching an accelerator program for net-positive projects worldwide. Our partnerships with over 50 leading non-governmental organizations, including ICHRIE, are a testament to our dedication to driving systemic change.
With over 40% of the industry’s room count in our membership, encompassing 7 million rooms, 55,000 hotels, and over 300 brands, the Alliance is a formidable force for good. Our diverse membership, which includes leading companies from consultants to tech firms and manufacturers, is united by a common goal: to foster a sustainable and prosperous future for the hospitality industry.
The journey toward sustainability is ongoing, and it requires the collective effort of industry leaders, educators, and professionals. By introducing innovative educational tools and forging strong partnerships with organizations like ICHRIE, the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance is paving the way for a future where net-positive hospitality is the norm. Together, we can ensure that our industry not only survives but thrives, contributing positively to the people, planet, places, and prosperity of the destinations we serve.
