Marina Bay Sands becomes certified to the GSTC Industry Criteria for Hotels and Accommodations
Singapore, 20 February 2023 – Marina Bay Sands has been certified to the GSTC Industry Criteria for Hotels by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body. The GSTC Industry Criteria for Hotels aims to promote the best sustainable tourism practices around four main themes: effective sustainability management, minimizing environmental impact, maximizing social and economic benefits for the local community, and enhancing cultural heritage.
Marina Bay Sands’ achievement of the GSTC certification is in line with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Singapore Hotel Association’s (SHA) announcement of the Hotel Sustainability Roadmap in March 2022. The roadmap aims for 60 percent of the hotel room stock in Singapore to attain internationally recognized hotel sustainability certification by 2025.
Ms. Jeannie Lim, Assistant Chief Executive, Policy and Planning Group, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “We congratulate Marina Bay Sands on this significant achievement. Their efforts support our goal to become one of the world’s most sustainable urban destinations, guided by the Singapore Green Plan 2030. We also hope that their example will inspire other hotels to strive toward similar goals in line with the Hotel Sustainability Roadmap. STB will continue to support hotels on their sustainability journey, working together to reduce impact on the environment, and maximize the social and economic benefits of tourism, while enhancing cultural heritage and meeting the needs of travelers.”
Having reduced its carbon footprint by over 50 percent since 2012, Marina Bay Sands also surpasses the roadmap’s ambition for hotels in Singapore to commence tracking of emissions by 2023 and reduce emissions by 2030.
“The GSTC certification is a testament to Marina Bay Sands’ ongoing commitment to minimize our environmental impact while providing our guests with a luxurious experience. Being the largest hotel in Singapore to be GSTC-certified shows our commitment in raising the bar for the industry and inspiring other players to adopt more sustainable practices,” said Meridith Beaujean, Executive Director of Sustainability, Marina Bay Sands.
“Congratulations to the team at Marina Bay Sands on becoming certified to the GSTC Industry Criteria. We commend their continued efforts in reducing carbon emissions and environmental impact, prioritizing sustainable management, and for their overall commitment to innovative sustainable solutions,” said Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC.
About the GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are two sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, and Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators. 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 Accreditation of 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; GSTC provides an accreditation program through its partner Assurance Services International to accredit Certification Bodies. 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, NGO’s, 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 Marina Bay Sands Pte Ltd
Marina Bay Sands is Asia’s leading business, leisure and entertainment destination. The integrated resort features Singapore’s largest hotel with over 2,200 luxurious rooms and suites, crowned by the spectacular Sands SkyPark and iconic infinity pool. Its stunning architecture and compelling programming, including state-of-the-art convention and exhibition facilities, Asia’s best luxury shopping mall, world-class dining and entertainment, as well as cutting-edge exhibitions at ArtScience Museum, have transformed the country’s skyline and tourism landscape since it opened in 2010.
Marina Bay Sands is dedicated to being a good corporate citizen to serve its people, communities and environment. As one of the largest players in hospitality, it employs more than 10,000 Team Members across the property. It drives social impact through its community engagement program, Sands Cares, and leads environmental stewardship through its global sustainability program, Sands ECO360.
For more information, please visit: www.marinabaysands.com
