Minor Hotels celebrates 30 Green Growth 2050 Platinum certifications, marking a significant milestone in its global commitment to sustainable hospitality practices.

Minor Hotels, a renowned global hospitality leader, has achieved a significant sustainability milestone by securing Green Growth 2050 Platinum certification for 30 of its properties worldwide. The prestigious certification marks an important step forward in Minor Hotels’ long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability in the hospitality industry. With properties across 56 countries, this recognition underscores the group’s efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices into its operations while creating a lasting, positive impact on the communities and environments in which it operates.

The Green Growth 2050 Certification: A Rigorous Standard for Sustainable Hospitality

The Green Growth 2050 certification, available in Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, stands as one of the most rigorous and all-encompassing sustainability standards in the travel sector. To earn the Platinum certification, hotels must undergo an exhaustive evaluation that includes more than 450 sustainability criteria. These criteria cover a range of environmental, social, and economic factors, ensuring that certified properties are not only reducing their environmental footprint but are also making meaningful contributions to their local communities.

Minor Hotels has consistently chosen to aim for Gold or above for all its Anantara and Avani properties. This ambitious goal reflects the company’s deep commitment to corporate responsibility and its desire to set new industry standards for sustainability. Since March 2024, the group has added 10 new hotels to its roster of Platinum-accredited properties, including the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort in Sri Lanka and the Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas in the Seychelles.

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort: A Sanctuary for Wildlife and Sustainability in Sri Lanka

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort in Sri Lanka has played a key role in Minor Hotels’ pursuit of sustainability. Situated on a sprawling 90,000-square-meter property, the resort has transformed its land into a chemical-free zone that fosters biodiversity conservation. The resort’s efforts to preserve local wildlife and promote environmental awareness have been highly effective, with several important initiatives that contribute to both the local ecosystem and the surrounding community.

A highlight of the resort’s sustainability program is its partnership with Sri Lanka’s Department of Wildlife Conservation, which led to the creation of the Rekawa Turtle Sanctuary. Since the initiative began, more than 11,000 baby turtles have been safely released into the wild, significantly contributing to the preservation of Sri Lanka’s endangered turtle species. In addition, the resort has made significant strides in its reforestation efforts, restoring over 50% of the surrounding mangroves with native vegetation to support local wildlife.

“Achieving Platinum is a testament to our team’s relentless efforts in environmental conservation since our inception in 2015,” said Erik Billgren, General Manager at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle. “Sri Lanka is home to a wealth of natural wonders, and we are proud to implement initiatives that play a part in protecting its native ecosystems and offering meaningful experiences to our guests.”

Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas: Redefining Sustainable Luxury in the Indian Ocean

Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas, located on the pristine shores of the Seychelles, is another jewel in Minor Hotels’ portfolio of Platinum-certified properties. The resort has integrated numerous sustainable practices into its operations to minimize its environmental impact and enhance its eco-friendly credentials.

Water conservation is a central focus at the resort. Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas employs advanced technologies, including rainwater harvesting and the repurposing of treated wastewater for irrigation, to reduce its water consumption. This proactive approach helps preserve vital water resources in the island’s delicate ecosystem. Moreover, the resort emphasizes sustainable sourcing, offering a menu rich in vegetarian and vegan options featuring ingredients grown in its on-site gardens. By sourcing ingredients locally, the resort minimizes the environmental impact of food transportation while simultaneously boosting the local economy.

The resort’s waste management practices are exemplary, with the implementation of a “no plastic” policy, extensive recycling programs, and the repurposing of kitchen waste for compost and animal feed. The resort’s commitment to community engagement is also apparent through its beach clean-ups and its partnership with local schools to promote environmental conservation through the ‘LOSPITALITE’ program.

“This recognition reflects our dedication to environmental responsibility,” said Gabriele Porru, Hotel Manager of Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas. “We will continue to innovate and contribute positively to our community and environment while providing a luxurious experience for our guests.”

Avani+ Palm View Dubai: Pioneering Sustainable Hospitality in the UAE

In the UAE, the Avani+ Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites has been recognized for the fourth consecutive year with the Green Growth 2050 Platinum certification, making it the only hotel in Minor Hotels’ portfolio to earn Platinum status on its first and every subsequent audit. With its commitment to sustainable design and operations, Avani+ Palm View Dubai stands as a beacon of excellence in eco-friendly hospitality in the region.

“The recent accomplishments are the culmination of years of hard work across our gobal portfolio to align ourselves with, and indeed surpass, the strict standards set by Green Growth 2050. Achieving our 30th Platinum Certification is a great example of how eco-tourism, when approached creatively, can help cut emissions, climate-proof the food supply and provide locals with a living, all while making it easier for travellers to leave a lighter footprint on their next adventure.“

John Roberts, Group Director of Sustainability & Conservation for Minor Hotels.

A Global Commitment to Sustainability and Net-Zero Goals by 2050

Minor Hotels’ sustainability efforts are aligned with international benchmarks, including the UN Global Compact, UNEP Green Economy Principles, and ILO Labor Standards. The Green Growth 2050 Platinum certification serves as evidence of the company’s comprehensive approach to fostering positive environmental and social impacts. Additionally, Minor Hotels has pledged to achieve net-zero status by 2050, setting intermediate targets to reduce energy and water consumption while cutting carbon emissions across its portfolio.

As part of its ongoing sustainability strategy, Minor Hotels continues to invest in innovative eco-friendly technologies, improve energy efficiency, and support local communities through initiatives that promote social, environmental, and economic well-being.

The Full List of Platinum-Certified Minor Hotels

Minor Hotels’ commitment to sustainability is reflected in the growing number of Platinum-certified properties. The full list includes:

• Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara
• Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
• Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort
• Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
• Anantara Dhigu Resort
• Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
• Anantara Hoi An Resort
• Anantara Kihavah Villas
• Anantara Layan Phuket Resort
• Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas
• Anantara Mia Khao Phuket Villas
• Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort
• Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
• Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat
• Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel
• Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Sahel Villa Resort
• Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort
• Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
• Anantara Veli Resort
• Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort
• Avani+ Hua Hin Resort
• Avani+ Khao Lak Resort
• Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites
• Avani+ Palm View Dubai
• Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel
• Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara
• Naladhu Maldives
• NH Collection Dubai The Palm
• Niyama Private Island Maldives
• Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Looking Ahead: Minor Hotels’ Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Minor Hotels continues to push the boundaries of sustainable hospitality by focusing on a holistic approach to sustainability. The company remains committed to setting industry benchmarks through its Green Growth 2050 Platinum-certified properties, ensuring that each hotel under its umbrella adheres to high standards of environmental responsibility.

As of 2024, Minor Hotels remains dedicated to achieving its goal of becoming a net-zero organization by 2050, with clear steps being taken to achieve these targets. This includes improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting sustainable tourism practices across all of its destinations, from Sri Lanka to the Seychelles, Dubai to the Maldives, and beyond.

For travelers seeking eco-friendly accommodations that balance luxury with sustainability, Minor Hotels’ extensive portfolio of Green Growth 2050 Platinum-certified properties offers a wealth of options. The company’s dedication to environmental stewardship ensures that guests can enjoy sustainable luxury while contributing to the preservation of the planet for future generations.

Minor Hotels’ achievement of 30 Green Growth 2050 Platinum certifications is a testament to its unwavering commitment to sustainability. With a focus on biodiversity conservation, waste management, water conservation, and local community engagement, Minor Hotels is setting the standard for sustainable hospitality across the globe. This milestone marks the company’s continued efforts to lead the industry toward a greener, more sustainable future in hospitality.

As of November 2024, the company is well on its way to achieving its net-zero goals by 2050, ensuring that future generations can enjoy sustainable travel experiences.

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Wayne McKinnon