First campsites in Spain certified with Green Key

Green Key Spain is thrilled to announce its two first Green Key certifications of campsites.

The programme operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) certifies six different categories of hospitality establishments. That includes campsites and holiday parks. Now, Spain has obtained its first two certified campsites that meet stringent social and environmental criteria.

The Sandaya Cypsela campsite on the coast of Girona and the Gran Camping Zarautz in Guipuzcoa have been the first ones in the country to pass the independent audits and become certified.

The Sandaya Cypsela campsite is part of a bigger chain of camping sites. The chain has been actively implementing eco-conscious practices in its sites in France, with 37 of its establishments currently holding the Green Key certificate.

An impactful decision had been made to enhance the sustainability of the Spanish camping, leading to the recent certification. In order to raise environmental awareness of its guests, the campsite in the Costa Brava, Catalonia, offers multiple education activities related to the natural environment.

Gran Camping Zarautz in Guipuzcoa is located in the north of Spain, near the estuary of the river Inurritza, in an area of great natural value and in close proximity to a beach. It is open all year round and during the summer it organises the sale of local products to promote the local economy and zero-kilometer food products. 

Spain has been one of the leading countries with the highest number of Blue Flag awarded beaches. Now, the sustainable tourism and hospitality in the country is growing even further with the new Green Key certifications. In addition to these two campsites, there are more hotels being certified with Green Key in Spain. 

For more information, please visit: www.llaveverde.org 

A new collaboration agreement between BWH Hotels and the Green Key programme

A new agreement between BWH Hotels and Green Key will assist worldwide hotels in gaining Green Key sustainability certification. 

©Best Western Plus Time Hotel, Stockholm

In January 2024 BWH Hotels and Green Key International entered a new collaboration agreement encouraging hotels to adopt new sustainability measures and achieve sustainability certification. BWH Hotels established Green Key as an approved eco-certification program. After nine years of successful partnership between BWH Hotels and Green Key in Scandinavia, the collaboration is now moving to a worldwide scale.   

Celebrating more than 75 years of hospitality, BWH Hotels is an award-winning global family of approximately 4,300 hotels located in over 100 countries and territories offering accommodations for all types of travelers.  

Green Key is a voluntary program that aims to spread awareness and empower the hospitality industry to adopt more sustainable business practices. The iconic Green Key certificate has become a leading standard of excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. Only hospitality establishments that meet established criteria can pass the independent audits/verification and obtain the certificate. The Green Key criteria are recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Today, there are more than 5,900 Green Key certified establishments in over 60 countries. 

Finn Bolding Thomsen, the Green Key International Director, shared: “We are always pleased to support any hotel in committing to more sustainable practices. However, the collaboration with BWH Hotels allows us to reach a significantly large number of new establishments. We are excited to take our partnership with BWH Hotels to the next level and work with their hotels all around the world.”  

Michael Morton, Senior Vice President, Brand Management and Member Services, adds:

"At BWH Hotels, our dedication to global sustainability shines through our 'Because We Care' initiative. This program underscores our commitment to the Earth, People and Communities in which we host guests. Through collaborative efforts with hoteliers, we empower communities by providing the necessary resources for impactful change. Additionally, our alliance with Green Key International strengthens our sustainability endeavors. Achieving Green Key certification not only demonstrates environmental responsibility but also enhances operational efficiency, expands business prospects, and fosters revenue growth." 

If you wish to learn more about the Green Key criteria, certified sites, or the certification process, visit our homepage, or contact us directly here. 

About BWH℠ Hotels 

BWH Hotels is a leading, global hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels. The global enterprise boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*. With 19 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotels suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. 

*Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline. 

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman sets its sustainability benchmark with the Green Key certification

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman proudly announces its Green Key certification. The first certified hospitality establishment from the Cayman Islands enhances the eco-tourism offer of the destination.

© Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

"Achieving the Green Key certification is not just an honor; it’s a call to further action for a greener hospitality industry" said Marc Langevin, General Manager. "The certification highlights the resort’s dedication to environmental responsibility, allowing it to showcase its proactive efforts in adopting sustainable practices."

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman has been delighted to share some of its diverse initiatives that have been implemented to elavate the establishment’s sustainability efforts.

The certified establishment also seeks to promote sustainability and grow staff engagement through the REACT (The Ritz-Carlton Environmental Action Conservation Team) programme. Once per month, the employees are invited to join a panel that aims to discuss, evaluate, and provide feedback on environmental and sociocultural projects. This way, the resort ensures wider community outreach and the integration of staff ideas into the Ritz-Carlton’s sustainability strategies. Educational initiatives and action days are employed to promote responsible behavior, such as a "No Bin Day" that encourages minimal food waste among staff.

© Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

Also, the resort's procurement strategy encompasses environmental stewardship and support for local industries by sourcing products that are organic, eco-labelled, fair-trade labelled, and locally produced. This includes a range of items such as local beers, spirits, and organic honey, reflecting the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman’s dedication to sustainable sourcing.

Apart from that, the certified establishment has integrated multiple eco-friendly practices into its day-to-day business operations that help to minimise the resort’s environmental impact, while saving both costs and natural resources.

© Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

For instance, Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman rigorously monitors its water usage and performs regular audits on that matter. By ensuring that over 75% of its all showers and taps do not exceed 9 liters and 8 liters per minute respectively, the establishment has successfully surpassed its sustainability targets.

Additionally, rainwater is collected from roof run-offs and later used for irrigation, minimising the resort’s dependence on processed water.

However, this is not the only waste-minisiming initiative that Ritz-Carlton has implemented. The establishment has proudly phased out single-use tableware in favor of sustainable alternatives - such as wooden cutlery and seaweed-based takeaway boxes. The organic waste is also repurposed through cooperation with local community projects, most notably Beacon Farm which utilizes the green waste provided by the resort for composting.

© Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

Last but not least, the Ritz-Carlton has adopted late conservation technology like high-efficiency dishwashers that consume only 0.52 gallons of water per basket. As all the other initiatives, this is part of the resort’s broader efforts to enhance operational efficiency and reduce its environmental impact.

About Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman

Nestled on the famous Seven Mile Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman offers guests an unparalleled luxury experience, integrated with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

The resort, the first and only property in the Caribbean to earn Five Stars for its hotel, spa, and restaurant, Blue by Eric Ripert in the Forbes Travel Guide, is home to 369 luxuriously appointed rooms handcrafted by acclaimed Champalimaud Design. An elegant spa offers a bespoke collection of revitalizing and relaxing treatments, while six dining venues present guests with a diverse array of epicurean delights. In addition to a spectacular Greg Norman-designed nine-hole golf course, the resort also offers golf enthusiasts a state-of-the-art indoor simulator using Trackman technology.

© Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

Ideal for events of all sizes, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is home to the island’s largest ballroom as well as an interactive culinary studio. Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment family programming allows guests of all ages to discover the incredible flora and fauna of Cayman, while Starfish Cay water park, tennis and basketball courts and an indoor game room ensures guest young and old are entertained.

The Caribbean’s largest luxury suite configuration, Seven South offers nearly 18,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space replete with elegant interiors, personalized service, and amenities as well as breathtaking panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Encompassing up to 9 bedrooms, including the three-bedroom Grand Penthouse, the private enclave is perched atop the resort’s Ocean Tower evoking a sense of being on top of the world. Each year, the resort and Chef Eric Ripert, welcome some of the world’s finest chefs and most discerning guests for Cayman Cookout.

More information about The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is available at www.ritzcarlton.com/grandcayman or by phone at +1 (345)943-9000.

Qabila Westbay Hotel by Marriott attains the Green Key certificate

Qabila Westbay Hotel by Marriott is thrilled to announce its attainment of the Green Key certificate, a testament to the company's unwavering dedication to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices within the hospitality industry.  

Green Key is recognised as the foremost standard for excellence in environmental and social sustainability within the hospitality sector. By obtaining the certification, Qabila Westbay Hotel by Marriott solidifies its commitment to guests, assuring them that their choice to stay with us actively contributes to positive environmental and social impacts.  

Months of diligent effort and a rigorous audit process have culminated in this significant achievement. Throughout this journey, Qabila Westbay Hotel by Marriott has made noteworthy efforts toward sustainability, implementing various initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental footprint and fostering local biodiversity conservation. Notable changes include the transition from plastic-wrapped products to sustainable alternatives, as well as proactive measures to protect and preserve the surrounding ecosystem.  

"We are overjoyed to receive the Green Key certificate, as it underscores our steadfast commitment to sustainability," said Ms. Sinead O Reilly-Henell, the General Manager of Qabila Westbay Hotel by Marriott. "This achievement reflects our ongoing efforts to operate as a responsible steward of the environment while providing exceptional experiences for our guests." 

Qabila Westbay Hotel by Marriott extends heartfelt gratitude to our guests, partners, and stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout this journey toward sustainability: ‘Together, we continue to strive towards a greener future, one where environmental responsibility and hospitality excellence go hand in hand.’

Novotel Itu receives the Green Key certification as the first resort in Brazil

Novotel Itu Golf & Resort has recently obtained the Green Key certificate as the first resort in Brazil. The establishment has thereby become the Accor's 50th sustainability certification in the Americas. 

To mark this achievement, a certification ceremony took was organised, bringing together representatives from Green Key, Accor, along with the mayor of the city of Itu and authorities from local secretariats and the press. The significant role of the collaboration agreement between Green Key International and the Accor hospitality group was also highlighted. In Brazil, the certification procedure is coordinated by the Green Key National Operator, Instituto Ambientes em Rede (IAR).
 
In the process of meeting the Green Key criteria, Novotel Itu Golf & Resort has implemented several socio-environmental practices to minimise its impacts on the environment. Thanks to the elimination of all single-use plastic items, almost 215 thousand units of pet bottles and plastic cups in 2023 alone was saved. In addition, the resort has reduced its water consumption by 50% and reused more than 4 million litters for toilet flushing and garden irrigation. For its operation, Novotel Itu uses 100% energy from renewable sources from the Free Energy Market and has around 200 solar panels for water heating. 

Apart from its environmental practices, the resort also carries out and gets engaged in various social initiatives, thanks to its partnerships with local non-profit institutions. For example, Novotel Itu organises fundraisers to support the NGO Realidades, which promotes housing improvements for vulnerable families in the Itu region. Also, a collaboration with the NGO Aspa has been established, resulting in a part of hotel's pet stay rate being donated to support abandoned dogs taken in by the non-profit institution.

Carlos Jacobina, general manager of Novotel Itu Golf & Resort, expressed pride in achieving the Green Key certificate, emphasising the resort's ongoing commitment to sustainable practices:

"For us at Novotel Itu Golf & Resort, receiving Green Key certification is more than recognition; it is validation of our ongoing commitment to a more sustainable future. We are proud to make history as the first resort in Brazil to achieve this milestone and we intend to advance even further with new practices in our hotel to contribute to the environment and society”.

Leana Bernardi, national coordinator of Green Key, also emphasised the importance of this achievement:

“We are firmly convinced that efforts to reduce the environmental footprint in the hospitality industry play a crucial role in preserving our country's natural beauty. We observe a growing interest among tourists, managers of tourist establishments and public authorities in this direction. In addition to being an indicator of the institutions' commitment to sustainability, the program proactively responds to the growing demand from conscious tourists who seek accommodation options with environmental, social and responsible values”.

With Novotel Itu, Accor has officially reached the milestone of 50 sustainable certified hotels in the Americas. Antonietta Varlese, SVP of Sustainability and Communication at Accor Americas expressed her proud that the company's commitment to promoting sustainability in its operations, in line with ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions, brings measurable results.

About

Novotel Hotels, Suites & Resorts offers destination hotels designed as comforting, energizing places where guests can take a break and enjoy the moments that really matter. The brand's wide range of hotels, suites and resorts offer a wide range of services for business and leisure guests, including spacious, modular rooms with natural, intuitive design; 24/7 buffet service with nutritious options; dedicated meeting spaces; attentive and proactive team; family areas for younger guests; multipurpose lobbies and accessible fitness centers. Novotel, which has more than 530 locations in more than 60 countries, is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with more than 5,500 properties in more than 110 countries. 

Park Hyatt St. Kitts receives the Green Key certificate

Park Hyatt St. Kitts has officially passed the third-party verification, becoming the first establishment in St. Kitts and Nevis to get certified with Green Key.

Elevating its standards for sustainable luxury, the hotel had managed to obtain the certificate, cosidering it a true testament to Park Hyatt St. Kitts’ dedication to meeting the internationally recognised standards for environmental and social responsibility.

As part of the adopted eco-friendly practices, the resort has prioritised incorporating efficient energy consumption and responsible water management, as well as, promoting sustainable solutions to its guests and the industry at large. Among these actions there is the installment of a desalination plant, which ensures a sustainable water supply for all hotel operations, and a reverse osmosis treatment system that recycles all water which is then used in the property’s irrigation system.

"Receiving the Green Key Certification is a proud moment for Park Hyatt St. Kitts," said Richard Elliott, General Manager of Park Hyatt St. Kitts. “This certification is a testament to our team's hard work and commitment to sustainable practices, and we are pleased to lead the charge toward a greener future in St. Kitts and Nevis."

The resort’s Director of Security, Safety & Environment Vance Rawlins, who spearheaded the application process, echoed Elliott’s sentiments and added, “Climate action starts with all of us - now.”

Park Hyatt St. Kitts’ commitment also extends to housekeeping and food & beverage services, where eco-friendly products take center stage, underscoring the hotel's dedication to minimising its environmental impact and working towards sustainable development goals.

Moreover, guests at Park Hyatt St. Kitts are invited to participate in the green movement through sustainable practices that enhance their stay and contribute to making a positive difference toward environmental protection. Offering choices such as reduced linen changes and selective use of single-use amenities showcases the resort's holistic approach to encouraging a greener and more ecologically responsible lifestyle.

About Park Hyatt St. Kitts

Park Hyatt St. Kitts is set within Christophe Harbor on Banana Bay with unobstructed views of the Caribbean Sea and neighboring Nevis. The resort is home to 124 spacious accommodations, 77 guest rooms, and 47 suites, each with a private balcony or terrace. Amenities include beachfront activities, adult and family swimming pools, Sugar Mill Spa & Sanctuary, and The Island Fort by Camp Hyatt for kids. The resort offers three signature restaurants and a grab-and-go Banana Bay Market. The resort offers a Topgolf Swing Suite®, two outdoor pickleball courts and a half-basketball court. The Reception Hall features over 7,000 square feet of dedicated event space.

Park Hyatt St. Kitts is also an esteemed member of the St. Kitts Sustainable Destination Council, which is an advisory board to the destination’s Ministry of Tourism.

For more information, visit parkhyattstkitts.com.