Accor has partnered with Qualmark, the New Zealand quality assurance organization, to work towards achieving gold certification under the latter’s recognized standards for sustainable tourism for its New Zealand hotels.
One of the leading hotel operators in New Zealand, Accor has entered into a strategic partnership with Qualmark to certify its properties as Gold Standard Sustainable Tourism Businesses.
Qualmark’s Sustainable Tourism Business certification criteria assesses standards of sustainability under five main pillars — business systems, environment, people, community and culture, and health and safety. These criteria were the first in New Zealand to obtain a Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) recognized status. A Qualmark certification, therefore, means hotels will be assured of meeting global standards of sustainability.
Accor’s hotels in New Zealand are already accredited with Qualmark and the French hospitality giant is now aiming for gold accreditation, the highest stadard under the new GSTC-aligned standards.
Compared to 10 years ago, travelers nowadays are three times more likely to opt for a business which has achieved a sustainable accreditation, said Qualmark New Zealand General Manager Steven Dixon.
“Sustainability is fundamental in our business, and we are proud to contribute to shaping the future of tourism in New Zealand by investing in our sustainability actions and activities. Our next phase of growth is built on our powerful sense of environmental, social and economic responsibility,” said Adrian Williams, Accor Pacific COO PM&E.
In 2023, Accor Pacific collaborated with its property owners to eliminate around 55 single-use plastic items, like individual toiletries from common areas and plastic water bottles, in more than 80% of hotels. Going forward, Accor will be furthering these actions into food waste and sustainability, water usage, eco certification and diversity and inclusion.
Globally, Accor is committed into fully supporting its 5,500 hotels in achieving external sustainable certifications. The hospitality company aims to reach its target of eco-certifying 100% of its portfolio by 2026 through global and local partnerships.
Currently, Accor has more than 40 hotels across New Zealand from luxury to economy brand segments.