Hoteles más Verdes (“Greener Hotels”) is the Sustainability Certification Program of The Tourism Hotels Association of the Argentine Republic (Asociación de Hoteles de Turismo de la República Argentina, AHT), a GSTC-Recongnized Standard that promotes the adoption of sustainable tourism good practices in the hospitality industry since 2010. The program certifies with the Eco-label “Hoteles más Verdes” those hotel companies that prove by auditing good practices of ethical, environmental, and socially responsible management with its stakeholders and the host community of the destinations of Argentina.
‘Hoteles más Verdes’ Eco-label already has over 175 verified accommodations in more than 60 Argentinian destinations and continues to work on expanding its reach within Argentina and the region.
In the post-pandemic scenario, Argentina has experienced two years of significant activity in the tourism sector, with a notable recovery and growth in domestic tourism. Additionally, between late 2022 and 2023, there has been a marked increase in inbound tourism to the country’s main destinations.
Currently, political and economic changes have had a significant impact on the tourism sector, leading to a reorganization of demand. This has resulted in a return to more pronounced seasonality, a decrease in price competitiveness, and a drop in demand in both inbound markets from neighboring countries and, primarily, the domestic market due to the local economic recession.
The close collaboration among Latin American Hotel Associations, along with a strong determination to work on a joint sustainability-focused agenda, has positioned Greener Hotels as a ‘story to follow.’ The initiative has gained recognition and a prominent presence at congresses and events organized by the Colombian Hotel and Tourism Association (COTELCO), Hoteliers of Chile, the Industrial Hotel Association of Paraguay (AIHPY), the Association of Hotels and Restaurants of Uruguay (AHRU), and the Venezuelan Association of Five-Star Hotels (AVECINTEL).
AHT was present at the First GSTC Latin American and Caribbean Summit
[Photo: From left to right, Jorge Moller, Program Director for Latin America at GSTC, Franco Luciano Di Pascuo, Executive Director of The Tourism Hotels Association of the Argentine Republic (Asociación de Hoteles de Turismo de la República Argentina, AHT) and Randy Durband, GSTC CEO.]
This invitation-only event was organized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and the Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, with funding provided through Fontur, USAID’s Destination Nature Program, the Colombia Más Competitiva program (a collaboration between the Swiss Embassy in Colombia and the National Government facilitated by Swisscontact), and the Mayor’s Office of Santa Marta.
Jorge Moller, Latin America Program Director of GSTC, will be part of the jury of the eleventh edition of the Sustainable Hospitality Contest
The initiative, organized by ‘Hoteles más Verdes,’ is supported by the Association of Tourism Hotels of Argentina (AHT), the Association of Hotels and Restaurants of Uruguay (AHRU) and the Hotel Industry Association of Paraguay (AIHPY).
The “Sustainable Hospitality Contest” recognizes and awards the best tourist accommodations and innovative ideas that integrate sustainability principles into the region’s hospitality value chain.
This contest aims to promote innovation and sustainable management in the hotel industry and recognize sustainability in its multiple dimensions. Disseminating and rewarding best practices and management models that contribute to the balance between tourism, respect for the environment, development of the local economy and the destination, and socio-cultural diversity and inclusion in the hotel sector.
For more information on this initiative: https://www.hotelesmasverdes.com.ar/concurso-de- hoteleria-sustentable
