#sustainable tourism #GSTC Certification #Palace Hotel

Palace Hotel Tokyo Achieves GSTC Certification

In a significant milestone for sustainability in the hospitality industry, Palace Hotel Tokyo has proudly announced its achievement of GSTC certification as of October 8, 2025. This makes it the first Japanese hotel to receive this prestigious international accolade, affirming its ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism practices.

The GSTC certification, administered by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), is a robust hallmark of excellence based on adherence to the GSTC standards for sustainable travel and tourism. These standards are comprehensive, encompassing a wide range of 47 criteria and 167 indicators that cover environmental impact, sustainable management practices, social and economic factors, and cultural preservation. The rigorous assessment process conducted by an accredited third-party certification body ensures that certified establishments meet the highest criteria for sustainable tourism.

Prior to the growing global focus on sustainability, Palace Hotel Tokyo has long dedicated itself to initiatives that benefit the environment and community. The management recognized the increasing interest among domestic and international guests regarding sustainability and believed it was crucial to incorporate a global perspective in their practices. Thus, obtaining the GSTC certification signifies that the hotel’s efforts align with international standards for sustainable tourism, underscoring their commitment to leaving a positive impact.

As a hospitality company rooted deeply in Japan's culture, Palace Hotel continues to embrace its sustainability concept: “Embracing the Future.” With a focus on contributing to a sustainable society, the company aims to ensure a beautiful future through its initiatives, which have been ongoing since its establishment.

Initiatives at Palace Hotel Tokyo

Palace Hotel Tokyo is situated in a prime location, facing the beautiful natural scenery of the Imperial Palace East Garden, further enhancing its resolve to preserve this splendid environment. Since 1997, during the era of the original Palace Hotel, the hotel pioneered the practice of converting food waste into organic fertilizer using its own plant, a commitment that continues to this day.

When it opened the doors to Palace Hotel Tokyo in 2012, following a major reconstruction, the facility incorporated cutting-edge technologies such as solar power generation and cogeneration systems to enhance energy efficiency. Since 2021, the hotel has been actively conducting internal training under its sustainability concept,