The Leading Hotels of the World Announces Sustainability Leaders Collection — Source: LHW

The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), more than 400 independent luxury hotels in over 80 countries, is proud to unveil their Sustainability Leaders collection. From modern metropolitan towers to tented jungle sanctuaries, the collection was created to recognize Leading Hotels that are committed to preserving the environment and the cherished values and cultural heritage of their destinations.

With deep-rooted connections to their communities and surrounding environments, more than 50 Leading Hotels are currently recognized as a Sustainability Leader. The designation signifies that the hotel has achieved a sustainable certification aligned to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Industry Criteria. LHW is a member of the GSTC, the premier global authority in setting and managing standards for sustainable tourism worldwide since 2010.

A Leading Hotel with the Sustainability Leaders recognition has been rigorously evaluated and received at least one, or more, GSTC accredited certification or certification to a GSTC-Recognized Standard. LHW has partnered with Vireo Srl (GSTC-Accredited Certification Body) as well as Green Globe, Green Key Global, and Travelife (all use a GSTC-recognized standard) to offer its hotels resources and tools to advance their sustainability strategies.

All Sustainability Leaders actively maintain a sustainability management plan and demonstrate their commitment through actions and impact against three pillars:

  • Environment: Sustainability Leaders are committed to mindful and responsible consumption of resources, investment in renewable energy and preserving natural habitats. They actively minimize use of resources while finding ways to recycle and reuse waste, water and materials. They leverage their geographical locations to use renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal. From propagating native plant species and establishing wildlife corridors, Sustainability Leaders are protectors of their surroundings’ landscapes and progressive stewards of biodiversity.
  • Community: Sustainability Leaders nurture relationships, empower economic growth and enrich communities through health and education programs. They ensure equal employment opportunities for residents at all levels of hierarchy and champion personal growth among their teams. They buy from local farmers and artisans and encourage guests to do the same. Sustainability Leaders have launched impactful social programs focused on education, health, and climate change to enrich local lives.
  • Culture: Sustainability Leaders protect and celebrate the local history and tradition of their destination through education and philanthropy. They provide educational and authentic experiences for guests to immerse themselves in local culinary, art and spiritual traditions. They honor the history of their destination and are committed to protecting buildings and sites of cultural, archaeological and spiritual significance.

Explore all of LHW’s Sustainability Leaders and look for the badge denoting the celebrated Sustainability Leaders throughout LHW.com.

About The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (LHW)

In 1928, 38 independent hoteliers came together to create LHW which now comprises more than 400 hotels in over 80 countries, making it the largest collection of independent luxury hotels. Since its inception, the Company has carefully curated a selection of distinctive hotels, resorts, inns, chalets, villas, and safari camps, from the snow-capped Alps of Europe to the African veldt, to share them with adventurous souls who seek the remarkably uncommon. The LHW community is made of exceptional individuals, united by a passion for the surprising discoveries and details that come with every travel experience. LHW hoteliers are artisans of hospitality whose expertise, commitment to excellence and individual flair allows them to create story-worthy moments for their guests. It is these authentic, individualized moments, combined with the warm high-touch service these hoteliers and their team provide, that keeps discerning travelers returning again and again. LHW's collection covers the globe and promises a broad range of destinations and unique experiences, enhanced by LHW's tiered guest loyalty program, Leaders Club. From converted former palaces and countryside retreats run by the same families for generations, to gleaming skyscrapers in dynamic urban centers, serene private island escapes, glamorous tented camps – and beyond – travelers are invited to explore, find inspiration, and experience unforgettable travel moments.  For more information visit: www.lhw.com, Facebook at @LeadingHotels, Twitter at @LeadingHotels and Instagram @leadinghotelsoftheworldRETURN TO PRESS CENTER

Noelle Kudelko
Specialist, Communications, LHW
LHW