The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) is pleased to announce that the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Limited has gained GSTC-Committed status for its adoption (without amendment) of the GSTC Industry Criteria v3.0.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is an international hotel investment and management group with luxury hotels, resorts, and residences in destinations worldwide. Having grown from its Asian roots 60 years ago into a global brand, the group now operates 38 hotels and 11 residences in 25 countries and territories, with each property reflecting the Group’s oriental heritage, local culture, and unique design.

Mandarin Oriental has set long-term environmental targets for each of its hotels. The group’s 2022 Sustainability Report details eliminating 99% of single-use plastics across all operations in 2022, excluding supplier packaging, and it remains committed to continuous improvement in this area. Its goals for the future include actively reducing food waste, expanding responsible procurement practices, and empowering its colleagues to further engage in volunteering activities.

Gaining GSTC-Committed status confirms that Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Limited has adopted the GSTC Criteria with a clearly documented plan and implementation, which the GSTC reviewed.

GSTC-Committed does not ensure certification, accreditation, or recognition, but only that the GSTC Criteria is implemented to the organization’s policy, plan, and operation. The purpose of the GSTC programs is to reward genuine practitioners of sustainable tourism, which builds confidence and credibility with consumers.

The stated scope and applicability of the GSTC Industry Criteria include corporate offices and all managed branded properties globally.  The scope of GSTC-Committed of the GSTC Industry Criteria is currently for accommodation facilities and tour operators. The status of GSTC-Committed will remain valid until either the GSTC Industry Criteria are updated or the GSTC Membership expires.

Additionally, eleven Mandarin Oriental hotels were GSTC-Certified in 2023 by GSTC-Accredited Certification Bodies.

See here Mandarin Oriental’s 2022 Sustainability Report.

Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive, remarked on the achievement: “This recognition reflects our commitment to sustainable practices. As a Group, we have developed a comprehensive plan to implement the GSTC Criteria, and we are proud to align ourselves with global standards for sustainable tourism.”

“Mandarin Oriental is an international brand that recognizes the value of applying the GSTC Criteria as global standards for sustainable tourism and hospitality across their geographic scope of operations internally and with their suppliers and stakeholders.  That is the basis of ‘GSTC-Committed’, this status does not state or imply certification, but it provides a pathway in the sustainability journey for each of their properties to eventually indeed seek to gain certification,” said Randy Durband, GSTC CEO.

About the GSTC

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are two sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, and Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators. These are the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources, while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation.

The GSTC Criteria form the foundation for Accreditation of Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services; but it accredits those that do. The GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGO’s, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism. 

Information for media and the press: https://www.gstcouncil.org/about/for-the-press/

About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Limited

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Having grown from its Asian roots into a global brand, the Group now operates 38 hotels and 11 residences in 25 countries and territories, with each property reflecting the Group’s oriental heritage, local culture and unique design. Mandarin Oriental has a strong pipeline of hotels and residences under development, and is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.

Further information is available on Mandarin Oriental’s Social Media channels and website: www.mandarinoriental.com, including the Media Centre.

Statements expressed in this announcement are presented for informational purposes only and should not be taken as an endorsement or recommendation by GSTC, unless clearly stated.