#Japan #Tokyo #Ascott #GSTC #Ascott CARES

Ascott Japan Attains GSTC Certification for Entire Portfolio

In a significant milestone in the realm of sustainable hospitality, Ascott Japan has officially secured the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) certification for all 21 of its properties across Japan. This achievement makes Ascott Japan the leading hospitality operator in the country with the highest number of GSTC-certified properties. The certification reflects Ascott's ongoing global commitment to sustainability, embodied in its initiative, Ascott CARES.



Last year, the company had already obtained certification for five of its properties, and this year it successfully extended this certification to all facilities, establishing a new benchmark for sustainable accommodation in Japan.

The Ascott CARES initiative consists of five core areas: Community, Alliance, Respect, Environment, and Supply Chain. Ascott Japan operates under these principles, engaging in various sustainability activities throughout the year, including waste reduction, improving energy efficiency, fostering community partnerships, and enhancing accessibility. The certification signifies that these continuous efforts have been recognized at an international level, enhancing Ascott Japan's credibility as a provider of sustainable hospitality.

A Confirmation of Commitment

Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC, congratulated Ascott Hotel Group on this achievement, stating, "We wholeheartedly celebrate Ascott's receipt of GSTC certification for all facilities in Japan. This is noteworthy and serves as evidence of Ascott's commitment to sustainability management across its operations."

Christian Border, President of Ascott Japan, expressed pride in being the first domestic hotel operator to obtain GSTC certification for all 21 properties. "This accomplishment is the result of the dedication of all our properties and staff, who have consistently strived for responsible operations under the Ascott CARES philosophy. This certification is not the end but rather a new beginning as we aim for a more sustainable future and create tourism opportunities as a hospitality operator."

To further their sustainable efforts, Ascott Japan designates November as "Ascott Sustainability Month," engaging employees, guests, and the local community in various sustainable initiatives. This year, properties within the Ascott brand participated in creating 'Sustainable Christmas Trees' using upcycled materials.

Moreover, under the Citadines brand, Ascott Japan collaborated with BIKAS COFFEE in Nepal to launch the "Coffee for the Future Stay" initiative. For every night booked, 1,000 yen will be allocated towards their tree-planting project. This innovative approach not only contributes to forest regeneration and job creation in Nepal but allows guests to partake in a circular experience, as coffee beans harvested in about three years will find their way back to Citadines for serving.

Learn more about the “Coffee for the Future Stay” initiative here.

Ascott Japan aims to utilize this full certification as a starting point to enhance sustainable hotel operations while leading the hospitality industry in Japan. Ascott is dedicated to ensuring sustainable travel and tourism, benefitting guests, local communities, and the planet's future.

For more details on Ascott's sustainability initiatives, visit Ascott Cares.

About the GSTC

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) sets criteria for sustainable travel and tourism, known as GSTC Standards. There are currently four standards that cater to different stakeholders: destinations, the tourism industry, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions), and attractions. These standards aim to create a common language around sustainability in tourism based on proven practices and research.

The four pillars of GSTC Standards include sustainable management, social and economic sustainability, cultural sustainability, and environmental sustainability. These standards are designed to be adaptable to local cultural, environmental, and legal contexts.

For more information about GSTC's standards and commitment to sustainable tourism, please refer to their official resources.

About Ascott Limited

Ascott Limited, a prominent hospitality operator, aims to enrich the lives of individuals through memorable experiences. With an extensive network spanning over 1,000 properties across more than 40 countries, Ascott's portfolio includes renowned brands such as Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, and many others. In Japan, Ascott operates five brands—Ascott, Somerset, Citadines, Oakwood, and lyf—across major cities including Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka, offering a diverse range of accommodation styles.

Stay connected through Ascott's loyalty program, Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), for exclusive benefits and curated experiences that enhance every travel moment. For additional information about Ascott and their sustainability initiatives, please visit Ascott's official website.