by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 9:15 AM ET, Thu June 25, 2026
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced it will transition its Hotel Sustainability Basics program, adopted by over 8,000 hotels in 85 countries, to an independent third-party certification program to align with new European Union requirements.
The new program will provide greater credibility and align with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Accreditation Framework.
The travel industry under the WTTC developed Hotel Sustainability Basics, which sets out 12 practical actions that small hotels and large properties can both take part in, covering topics from energy consumption to waste reduction.
"Hotel Sustainability Basics has demonstrated that sustainability can be practical, achievable and scalable, with thousands of hotels already taking meaningful action around the world," said President & CEO, WTTC, Gloria Guevara. "By strengthening the program through independent certification, we are giving hotels a globally recognized framework that reflects evolving regulatory expectations while building greater trust and confidence in sustainability claims. Together with Basics Plus, we are creating a clear pathway that enables hotels of all sizes to continue progressing on their sustainability journey."
Hotels participating in the program do not need to take action; further guidance will be issued throughout the transition period.
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