Centara Earthcare Sustainability Standard Receives Recognition From Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)

Thursday, Sep 09, 2021 0

Centara becomes first Asia hospitality group to formally incorporate

GSTC-recognised standards into its internal sustainability standards

Herb Garden at Centara Reserve Samui, one of the long-term sustainable initiatives under “Centara EarthCare”

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, announces its recent achievement of the “GSTC-Recognised Standard” status from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, a milestone achievement in the group’s commitment to long-term sustainability.

With the new GSTC Recognition, Centara becomes the first Asian hospitality group to formally incorporate the GSTC Criteria in its internal sustainability system called Centara EarthCare.

“We are delighted to have achieved the GSTC-Recognised Standard status, a crucial step in our journey to a sustainable future. By advancing socially and environmentally conscious business practices at Centara, we are directly ensuring that current and future generations can live healthier and better lives,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of Centara Hotels & Resorts.

In order to track, measure and improve in areas of environmental sustainability and social responsibility across the group’s portfolio spanning 84 properties across Thailand, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey, Indonesia and the UAE. Centara has adopted the GSTC-recognised Greenview Portal, an industry-specific system for hotel companies.

To achieve the GSTC-Recognised Standard status, Centara EarthCare was thoroughly reviewed by technical experts and the assurance panel at GSTC to certify that the standard adheres to the four pillars of the GSTC Criteria: Environment, Social, Cultural, and Management principles.

As part of the group’s goals for a greener future is a roadmap to reduce energy and water usage by 20 percent within 10 years, as well as a significant reduction of waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

To achieve these goals, the group is implementing solar power projects, and installing sub-metering systems for water and electrical management. Energy conservation measures and heating system upgrades are being implemented wherever possible.

“We remain committed to incorporate green practices into our management approaches and corporate identity. With the new GSTC-Recognised status, Centara EarthCare will be able to provide a clear benchmark and guidelines for projects to further the sustainability agenda to an internationally recognised standard,” said David Good, EVP of Hotel Operations, Centara Hotels & Resorts.

By 2025, Centara aims to have 100% of its properties certified as sustainable by accredited certification bodies as a key element of the organisation’s long-term sustainability objectives and eliminate single-use plastic items in the entire guest journey.

For more information about Centara Sustainability, please visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/corporate-social-responsibility

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ABOUT CENTARA

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 84 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey, Indonesia and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. The group’s newest Centara Reserve brand was unveiled in 2020 as an experiential luxury collection, inviting guests to discover a new era of story-driven hospitality starting with Centara Reserve Samui.

Centara also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle.

Over the next five years Centara aims to become a top 100 global hotel group, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company’s unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara’s global loyalty programme, Centara The1, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.

For more information about Centara Sustainability, please visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/corporate-social-responsibility