Tag Archives: HBX group

WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics Surpasses 1,700 Properties

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Hotel Sustainability Basics (Basics), the global initiative helping hoteliers on their first steps to improve their sustainability ratings, has reached a significant milestone with over 1,700 hotels verified across 70 countries worldwide.

In her speech at ITB Berlin, Julia Simpson, President & CEO, WTTC, celebrated the achievement and highlighted the commitment of the industry towards a more sustainable future. Basics is a key pillar to making hotels more sustainable and giving the public an at-glance verification.

Hotels groups from major Travel & Tourism destinations such as France, China, Mexico, India, Germany, South Africa, Philippines, and Norway, amongst many others, have joined the groundbreaking initiative.

Major hotel brands which have now adopted ‘Basics’ include Jin Jiang, one of the world’s biggest hotel groups with more than 10,000 hotels, European hotel giant Louvre Hotel Group, Choice Hotels, and Radisson Hotel Group.
During its inaugural year, Hotel Sustainability Basics also gained endorsements from destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Mauritius, Colombia, UAE, Azerbaijan, Mexico, and Ecuador.

Other major Travel & Tourism brands joining the initiative include adventure travel specialist Intrepid, British Airways Holidays, HBX Group, WebBeds and Abercrombie & Kent.

This independent global sustainability verification programme, overseen by internationally recognised verifiers Green Key and SGS, empowers hotels of all sizes to follow a 12-step programme aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting nature conservation, and ensuring local communities benefit from the hotel’s operations.

Simpson said, “Our goal is to have a globally recognised trademark that shows customers at a glance, that a hotel is supporting the planet by saving energy, cutting plastics, protecting nature, and supporting their local community. It is a win win.”

“We launched the scheme only a year ago and the uptake has been incredible. 70 countries have signed up with over 1,700 properties verified with a long waiting list. It will bring lasting change. I would like to thank Glen Mandziuk at the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Randy Durband at GDST, along with our partners at the Azerbaijan Tourism Board for providing the intellectual rigour and drive to make this happen.”

WTTC is committed to leading the charge in sustainable Travel & Tourism, following the demand of the industry, to further advance their work on globally aligned sustainability indicators, hand in hand with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.

 

Archipelago International strikes a transformative B2B deal with HBX Group to optimise travel experience

Southeast Asia’s leading hotel operator Archipelago International, has strategically partnered with HBX Group, a renowned global B2B TravelTech company. This two-year agreement will leverage the complementary strengths of both parties to drive expansion, enhance travel experiences, and redefine the B2B travel landscape.

Archipelago International brings to the table its extensive expertise in hospitality management, and a portfolio of over 200 hotels spanning 45,000 rooms across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. HBX Group, meanwhile, boasts a global network of more than 71,000 travel distributors across 190 source markets, providing access for Archipelago to clients around the world, including in hard-to-reach areas.

This agreement will enable Archipelago International to tap into HBX Group’s global reach and high-value clientele, expanding its market presence and further solidifying its position as a leading hospitality player.

“We are excited to embark on a strategic partnership with HBX Group, which will undoubtedly propel our expansion and elevate the travel experiences we offer to our guests. HBX Group’s global reach and expertise in the B2B travel sector will be invaluable as we continue to grow our presence in key markets around the world.
This partnership is a testament to our commitment to innovation and our unwavering belief in the power of collaboration to shape the future of the hospitality industry. With HBX Group, we will further strengthen our position as a leading hospitality provider in Southeast Asia and beyond,” said John Flood, CEO and President, Archipelago International.

Through this collaboration, hoteliers will gain access to Enhanced distribution channels. HBX Group’s extensive network of travel distributors will significantly expand Archipelago International’s reach, making its properties more visible to a wider audience of potential guests. HBX Group’s cutting-edge TravelTech solutions will provide Archipelago International’s properties with the tools they need to optimize their operations, enhance guest satisfaction, and drive revenue growth.

Pippa Williamson, VP, Commercial-APAC, HBX Group, said: “As an ecosystem player in the travel industry, we provide our customers with interconnected products and services, offering a seamless experience travellers. Collaborating with Archipelago International will help us to expand our business in Asia-Pacific at a time when travel to this region is in high demand.”