The Apurva Kempinski Bali Hotel Achieves the First GSTC Certification in Indonesia by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body

Apurva Kempinski Bali became the first hotel in Indonesia GSTC-Certified by Control Union, a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) manages the GSTC Criteria, the global standards for sustainable travel and tourism and provides international accreditation for sustainable tourism Certification Bodies.

Accredited means that a Certification Body (CB) has been verified through a rigorous external review from an accreditation body whereby the GSTC provides assurance that the CB awards certification to businesses according to processes that comply with international standards and good practices.

General Manager of The Apurva Kempinski Bali, Vincent Guironnet, said that his party continues to strive to innovate and find new ways to encourage sustainability in the hospitality industry. « This recognition reinforces our commitment, not only to providing unrivaled luxury experiences but also to leading the movement in sustainable tourism practices. We remain dedicated to creating impactful change while providing exceptional experiences to our guests, and shaping a more sustainable future for generations coming, » he said.

The Apurva Kempinski Bali’s sustainability commitment

GSTC certification signifies the resort’s commitment to sustainable growth to measure, improve and communicate their commitment to sustainable practices. The Apurva Kempinski Bali meets a number of indicators which are important requirements to obtain this certification.

Effective Sustainability Management

The resort integrates sustainability principles into its operations through policies and procedures that adhere to ethical business within the organization and with external stakeholders. Additionally, the resort has an ESG team dedicated to continuously monitoring and improving sustainability initiatives.

Maximizing Social and Economic Benefits for Local Communities

With a strong commitment to promoting local hiring, the resort has achieved a significant target of 21.7 local hires from surrounding communities by December 2023. In addition, the resort’s commitment to a more sustainable economy is reflected in the Sustainable Agriculture program implemented with the Samsara Living Museum. The program educates local farmers in ecological farming techniques, with the aim of producing kitchen supplies that meet the five-star standards required by hotels and opens up opportunities for local farmers to directly supply hotels, eliminating the role of middlemen. To further support community development, the resort also collaborates with educational institutions such as the Bali Culinary Pastry School and the Bali State Polytechnic to provide training opportunities and strive for economic growth and sustainability of local communities.

Maximizing Benefits for Cultural Heritage

The resort is a living theater where guests experience the power of Indonesian culture displayed by every performer and every staff member, decorated with a backdrop of extraordinary art and architecture. Cultural stewardship is ultimately highlighted through the resort’s annual campaign, which focuses on collaborating with interdisciplinary partners to curate unique experiences for guests while integrating Indonesian culture, traditions and heritage.

Maximizing Benefits for the Environment and Minimizing Negative Impacts

With a commitment to reducing its environmental footprint, the resort employs a science-based approach, encompassing initiatives such as Hydroponic Rooftop Gardens, Waste Management, Sustainable Weddings and Electric Vehicle Experiences. To further emphasize its dedication to climate neutrality, the resort is partnering with Eco-Tourism Bali to launch a mangrove planting program, starting with the planting of 1,000 seeds.

« It is truly an honor for us to be the first hotel in Indonesia to receive this prestigious GSTC certification, » said Vincent.