First Green Key certified hotels in the Seychelles

In a groundbreaking achievement for both, the hotels and the tourism industry of the Seychelles, the STORY Seychelles Resort and Fisherman’s Cove Resort are the first hotels on the island to receive the prestigious Green Key certification, marking a significant milestone in sustainable tourism.

Photo credit: Fisherman’s Cove Resort

The neighboring resorts on the well-known Beau Vallon Beach in Mahe, Seychelles, the Fisherman’s Cove Resort and STORY Seychelles Resort have achieved Green Key certification. The certificate marks the unwavering dedication to eco-conscious practices of the resorts and establishes them as trailblazers in advocating responsible tourism in the region.

Jelena Ognjenović, Cluster General Manager, explains:

We are thrilled and honored to be the first hotels in Seychelles to receive this remarkable certification. This milestone signifies our dedication to lead by example in sustainable tourism and preserve the pristine beauty of our island for generations to come.

Since 2021, the Fisherman’s Cove Resort, rooted in history since 1943, has transitioned into a sustainability beacon under the STORY Hospitality Group.

Len Jackson, Cluster PR & Marketing Manager states:

After the rebranding in 2021, we adopted a significant policy shift in how we manage the resort with a keystone indicator encompassing sustainability. Green Key has provided us with useful knowledge, insight and learning on best practices.

Photo credit: STORY Seychelles Resort

The STORY Seychelles and Fisherman’s Cove Resort have introduced a range of innovative eco-friendly initiatives, including energy-efficient lighting, water conservation programs, waste reduction strategies, and the support of local environmental projects. This achievement solidifies its position as a leader in combining luxury with sustainability.

Len Jackson, Cluster PR & Marketing Manager states;

Sustainability is not a once off fix or quick check list. It requires resources, commitment, passion, and dedication. STORY Seychelles chose to align with Green Key due to several factors that included a robust criterion reflecting current push factors; its auditing process and benchmarking; and the global trust in the brand.

The dual recognition underscores the resorts’ commitment to reducing their environmental footprint while providing guests with an exceptional, eco-friendly experience. Together, they contribute to Seychelles’ diverse hospitality landscape, embodying a harmonious blend of history and modern sustainability.

If you would like to read more about the two establishments, please click the links below.

Beach Resorts & Villas in Seychelles / Story Seychelles

Beach Resort & Villas in Seychelles / Fisherman’s Cove Resort

Green Key Ceremony for Camino Real Hotels in Mexico

On 13 September 2023, the Green Key certification event took place at Camino Real Polanco in Mexico, with 32 hotels under the Camino Real Hotels group (Camino Real, Quinta Real, and Real Inn brands) being certified.

In attendance were prominent figures from the tourism and hospitality sector in Mexico, including Miguel Torruco Marqués, the Secretary of Tourism; Humberto Hernández Haddad, the Undersecretary of Tourism; Dr. José Zeind Domínguez, the General Director of Tourism Certification; Leandro Trejo Escudero, the General Director of Camino Real Hoteles; and Joaquín Arturo Díaz Ríos, the CEO of FEE México.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Ríos emphasized that "Green Key is not merely a recognition; it is the result of the significant technical support and strong commitment demonstrated by each and every department within the hotels during its implementation."

As part of their implementation efforts, Camino Real Hoteles successfully reduced electricity, water, and gas consumption by 7% compared to 2019. Despite a 2% variation in occupancy compared to 2019, electricity consumption saw a remarkable 13% reduction, resulting in a decrease of 3,320 tons of CO2 emissions. This is equivalent to planting 276,000 trees in just one year.

Moreover, this achievement involved collaboration with over 200 suppliers from across the country, all of whom pledged to adhere to Green Key guidelines. In the process, more than 3,500 employees actively participated, receiving 96 training sessions on environmental issues, which were a central focus of the program.

In his closing remarks, Miguel Torruco Marqués, Secretary of Tourism, extended his congratulations to the establishments and emphasized that "Green Key represents a guarantee of sustainability in the management and operation of accommodation, as demonstrated by Grupo Posadas."

Reef Conservation becomes the Green Key National Operator for Mauritius

The Foundation for Environmental Education’s (FEE) member organisation in Mauritius, Reef Conservation is launching the national management of Green Key in the country.  

Green Key certified Veranda Resorts, Mauritius. Photo credit: Rogers Hospitality.

The overall objective of Reef Conservation is to promote a holistic ridge to reef approach for the conservation and sustainable use of coastal and marine ecosystems and biodiversity through local, regional, and international efforts in partnership with all concerned stakeholders. Reef Conservation carries out projects and initiatives in four programmes areas: Training; Education and sensitisation; Research and monitoring and Community and conservation. 

Francois Rogers, Executive President of Reef Conservation, states: “After the development of Eco-Schools and YRE programmes in Mauritius and Rodrigues, it is an honour for Reef Conservation to oversee the deployment of Green Key certification across the hospitality sector in Mauritius. This high-quality certification with strict criteria developed to monitor and accompany the environmental and sustainable implementation of management and education. As this certification applies not only to hotels, but at large, to conference centres, leisure parks, restaurants and small hotels, the Green Key Certification will greatly contribute to support the transformation of Mauritius in a sustainable island destination.’” 

A Green Key Steering Committee has been formed in Mauritius with the support of professionals of the industry, namely: Mr Renaud Azema, General Manager of Vatel School (Mauritius), Mr Gulshan Teeluck, Training Officer  and Acting Coordinator for the Tourism Department at the Mauritius Institute of Training & Development,  Ms Jodi Naidoo, Senior Lecturer, Department of Tourism, Leisure, and Services School of Sustainable Development and Tourism (SSDT) at the University of Technology Mauritius and Mr  Daren Moodley, Coordinator of Sustainable Island Program & Consultant at the Tourism Authority. All on-site audits will be carried out by SGS Mauritius. 

Finn Bolding Thomsen, Green Key International Director, adds: “We have had Green Key certified establishments (Heritage Resorts hotels) in Mauritius since 2017, and we are extremely proud to have Reef Conservation taking over the management of Green Key at the national level which will enhance the continued development of the Green Key programme in Mauritius.” 

Green Key to IBIS City Center hotel in Kyiv, Ukraine

Despite the challenging situation for the national Green Key management and especially the hospitality industry in Ukraine, we are very happy to announce that IBIS City Center in Kyiv has been Green Key certified.

 The Green Key programme in Ukraine has gone through a tough time in the last one and a half years. It nearly stopped after one of the Green Key certified hotels was destroyed by a missile strike. It was not easy to have any other priorities except the safety of human life.

Hotel management must be strong and believe in European values to start Green Key programme implementation in wartime. This is exactly what happened at the IBIS City Center hotel located in Kyiv, capital of Ukraine. On 17 August 2023, the Hotel's representative handed in the Green Key application form to the Ukrainian Green Key National Operator, and the hotel successfully passed its on-site audit.

The hotel staff has demonstrated its dedication to corporate social programme implementation, particularly to the part related to sustainable development and a high level of safety measures. According to the personnel, implementing the Green Key programme has helped saving resources, protecting the environment, and significantly cuts utility costs. The hotel management team is enthusiastic about implementing the programme and estimating it as future oriented.

Motel One to certify all hotels with Green Key

Motel One Group, a German hotel chain with 90 hotels in 13 countries, has chosen Green Key as the external certification programme partner for its hotels.

Motel One Linz Hauptplatz, Austria

Motel One has made it its priority to sustainably improve the hospitality world through its business activities. No matter whether it’s through climate protection, the purchase of sustainable products, being a multi-award-winning employer or through societal commitment. For this the group has launched the ‘One Planet. One Future.’ programme which is based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. 

With external certifications, Motel One is underlining its commitment to sustainable development and is obtaining objective confirmation that the ESG measures it has already put in place have been effective.

In July 2023, Motel One signed a cooperation agreement with Green Key to certify all Motel One Group hotels. The certifications will portray the high environmental and socio-economic standards through rigorous verifications and auditing processes.

Daniel Müller, Co-CEO Motel One Group, says: “We are very proud, that our longstanding efforts are now being verified and certified by an experienced external party. This will send a strong signal of quality and reliability towards our guests and underline our commitment. Green Key is a strong partner, and we are thrilled to start this cooperation.”

Finn Bolding Thomsen, Green Key International Director, adds: “We are impressed with Motel One’s ambitions on sustainability, and we are grateful to be chosen as the external certification programme partner. We have already begun the work with Motel One’s hotels on their sustainability journey.”

Motel One Glasgow, Scotland