Adventure operator Intrepid Travel has joined forces with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) to apply the WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics verification program to its portfolio of suppliers. The initiative, which was developed by WTTC and the Sustainability Hospitality Alliance in March 2023, aims to aid the hotel and hospitality industry in moving toward more sustainable and eco-conscious operations.
It includes a three-year evaluation process where properties will have to meet certain benchmarks within 12 criteria in the areas of “people,” “planet” and “efficiency.”
Our Analysis: Intrepid Is Providing Tangible, Actionable Steps to Pave the Way for Change
Intrepid has long been a leader in purpose-built and sustainable travel; it’s the largest Certified B Corporation in the travel industry, and it was the first tour operator to create science-based climate targets. And now the company is taking its commitment to responsible travel further, providing its hotel partners with tangible solutions and metrics that will pave the way toward positive change for the planet. Travelers, travel advisors and suppliers can do their part by working to actively promote, market and book with the program’s portfolio of approved properties.
Fast Facts: What to Know About Intrepid’s Integration of the Hotel Sustainability Basics Program
- The full list of Hotel Sustainability Basics can be found on WTTC’s website.
- In January 2024, Intrepid will launch a trial of some accommodation suppliers in Nepal and Bhutan before expanding the program to other properties within its supply chain.
- Hotels must pass at least eight of the 12 criteria after the first year in the program, including at least one benchmark in each of the three areas (people, planet and efficiency). After three years of improvement, they can move on to the Global Sustainability Tourism Council (GSTC) certification.
Our research shows that most business owners are aware of their responsibility to the environment but need a step-by-step guide that is scientifically verifiable.
What They Are Saying: Travel Business Want to Improve, But Many Don’t Know Where to Start
"Our suppliers have told us that they want to improve their practices, but as small and medium-sized businesses, they often don’t know where to start, or don’t have the resources,” said Sara King, general manager of purpose for Intrepid Travel. “By offering our hotel suppliers access to this internationally recognized program, we can make focused improvements that will support them, and the overall impact of our business.”
“Our research shows that most business owners are aware of their responsibility to the environment but need a step-by-step guide that is scientifically verifiable,” said Chris Imbsen, director of sustainability for WTTC. "We are incredibly proud that Intrepid has joined the Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative, demonstrating their seriousness to becoming a more sustainable organization.”
