Agoda, GSTC, and USAID Partner to Champion Sustainability Education for Hotels in Asia
Agoda, GSTC, and USAID Partner to Champion Sustainability Education for Hotels in Asia Hospitality Net
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Sustainability Trainings for Hoteliers in Asia
Agoda, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have partnered to provide sustainability trainings for hoteliers across Asia. This initiative aims to strengthen the sustainability transformation and foster green growth within the region’s hotel industry, with models that have the potential for global application.
The Sustainable Tourism Development Initiative
The Sustainable Tourism Development Initiative builds on the success of Agoda’s ongoing partnership with the GSTC, which has provided sustainability education for hundreds of hoteliers across India, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. This partnership with USAID expands the training scope and geographic coverage to additional markets in South and Southeast Asia.
- Expansion of existing instructor-led hotel sustainability training at five destinations across the region in India, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, and the Philippines, will equip hoteliers with the necessary tools and knowledge to enhance their sustainability practices.
- Development of a self-paced digital hotel sustainability training platform, which will offer localized, interactive learning modules, supplementary study materials, and quizzes that address the distinct sustainability challenges across the region. The platform will cover different aspects of the GSTC Hotel Criteria and provide an introduction to sustainability and sustainable tourism, insights into global trends and industry best practices, and practical tools on applying these learnings. The learning materials on the platform will be available in English and regional languages.
- Establishment of a sustainability scholarship fund for select hotels across the region, particularly hotels that are small, medium, and women-owned enterprises, to receive further training and obtain third-party sustainability certifications recognized by GSTC.
Omri Morgenshtern, CEO of Agoda, said, “It is our responsibility to raise awareness about sustainability among both our consumers and accommodation partners and are thrilled to support the industry in developing the knowledge and working towards third-party certifications. Partnering with USAID will help elevate and scale our projects which combine Agoda’s extensive supply network with GSTC’s world-leading technical expertise on sustainability to reach even more markets across Asia.”
USAID India Mission Director Veena Reddy stated, “USAID believes it is critical to work in collaboration with the private sector to drive sustainable development progress, including mitigating climate change. Tourism, when sustainable, provides an important pathway for inclusive economic growth and preservation of cultural heritage, and can be a valuable tool for environmental conservation. We are proud to launch this regional partnership with Agoda and GSTC in India to support, particularly as they overcome the economic setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability of small and medium enterprises to participate in a more sustainable economy.”
Speaking of the benefits of this initiative, Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC, shared, “The knowledge and skills acquired from these trainings serve as a crucial step for hoteliers to obtain credible third-party sustainability certifications for their properties and effectively navigate the process with a thorough understanding of the GSTC Hotel Criteria. They will also have the opportunity to enhance their professional credentials and marketability in the hospitality industry, opening doors to career advancement opportunities in the future.”
About Agoda
Agoda, a digital travel platform, helps anyone see the world for less with its great value deals on a global network of 4M hotels and holiday properties worldwide, plus flights, activities, and more. Agoda.com and the Agoda mobile app are available in 39 languages and supported by 24/7 customer support. Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG) and employs more than 6,900 staff in 26 markets, dedicated to leveraging best-in-class technology to make travel even easier.
About GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are three sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators, and MICE Criteria for Venues, Event Organizers, and Events & Exhibitions. These are the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation.
The GSTC Criteria form the foundation for GSTC’s assurance role for Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services, but provides accreditation to those that do. The GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGOs, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism.
Information for media and the press: www.gstcouncil.org/about/for-the-press/
About USAID
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the world’s premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. USAID’s work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience. Learn more about USAID.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The article discusses sustainability trainings for hoteliers in Asia, focusing on enhancing sustainability practices in the hotel industry. This aligns with SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. It also relates to SDG 12, which promotes responsible consumption and production by encouraging sustainable practices in the tourism industry. Additionally, the article mentions the importance of mitigating climate change, connecting to SDG 13. Lastly, the partnership between Agoda, GSTC, and USAID reflects SDG 17, which emphasizes the importance of partnerships for achieving sustainable development.
2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content:
- Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
- Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.
- Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
- Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources.
The article highlights the training programs and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable tourism practices, creating jobs, and preserving local culture and products. This aligns with Target 8.9. The development of a self-paced digital training platform and the establishment of a sustainability scholarship fund contribute to Target 12.8 by providing relevant information and awareness for sustainable development. The focus on sustainability education and third-party certifications addresses Target 13.3 by improving education and awareness on climate change mitigation. Lastly, the partnership between Agoda, GSTC, and USAID exemplifies Target 17.16 by enhancing global partnerships for sustainable development.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:
- Number of hoteliers trained in sustainability practices
- Number of hotels adopting sustainable practices
- Number of hotels obtaining third-party sustainability certifications recognized by GSTC
- Number of localized, interactive learning modules developed
- Availability of learning materials in English and regional languages
- Number of participants in the instructor-led hotel sustainability training
- Number of participants receiving certificates of attendance and professional certificates in sustainable tourism
The article mentions the expansion of sustainability training to multiple destinations, indicating the number of hoteliers trained in sustainability practices. The establishment of a sustainability scholarship fund implies that there will be hotels adopting sustainable practices and obtaining third-party certifications. The development of a self-paced digital training platform suggests the creation of localized, interactive learning modules and the availability of learning materials in different languages. The article also mentions the upcoming instructor-led hotel sustainability training in Jaipur, indicating the number of participants who will receive certificates of attendance and professional certificates in sustainable tourism.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products. | – Number of hoteliers trained in sustainability practices – Number of hotels adopting sustainable practices – Number of hotels obtaining third-party sustainability certifications recognized by GSTC |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature. | – Number of localized, interactive learning modules developed – Availability of learning materials in English and regional languages |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning. | – Number of hoteliers trained in sustainability practices – Number of hotels obtaining third-party sustainability certifications recognized by GSTC |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources. | – Number of hoteliers trained in sustainability practices – Number of hotels adopting sustainable practices – Number of hotels obtaining third-party sustainability certifications recognized by GSTC |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: hospitalitynet.org
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