BWH Hotels has reached a significant milestone in its sustainability journey, with properties under its Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels brands across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Pakistan now certified under the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards. The certification, awarded through accredited partner Bureau Veritas Group, underscores the group's commitment to embedding responsible practices into daily operations.
Rodney Simpson, Managing Director – Operations APAC at BWH Hotels, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the achievement. “I’m incredibly proud of our outstanding teams across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Pakistan. Achieving GSTC certification is more than just earning a credential; it reflects the unwavering commitment, extensive training and deep belief in the power we have to drive meaningful change,” Simpson said. “In partnership with Bureau Veritas, we didn’t just meet GSTC standards, we brought them to life within our hotels, embedding sustainability into the very fabric of our operations. At BWH Hotels, responsible travel isn’t a trend; it is part of who we are.”
The certification process assessed operational effectiveness across four key areas: Sustainable Management, Socio-Economic Impact, Cultural Impacts, and Environmental Impacts. The results confirmed that BWH Hotels is equipping its properties and teams with the tools needed to drive long-term change and create meaningful experiences that positively impact the planet.
A ceremony held at Best Western Chatuchak in Bangkok on 2 September 2025 honored the GSTC-certified properties. The event was attended by BWH Hotels leaders Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, and Rodney Simpson, along with representatives from Bureau Veritas Group.
Embedding Sustainability Through ‘Because We Care’
BWH Hotels operates its global ‘Because We Care’ program, which integrates three core pillars — Earth, People, and Community (EPC) — into every facet of operations. From reducing water consumption and cutting carbon emissions to minimizing waste and supporting local sourcing, these values are embedded in daily practices. This framework aligns with broader industry trends, as seen in the growing demand for conscious travel among luxury guests.
The certification comes at a time when the hospitality sector in Asia-Pacific faces mounting pressure to demonstrate environmental stewardship. Rising operational costs and shifting traveler expectations are pushing hoteliers to adopt more sustainable practices. BWH Hotels’ achievement positions it as a leader in this space, particularly in markets like Thailand, Japan, and Pakistan where tourism is a key economic driver.
Simpson emphasized that the certification is not an endpoint but a step in an ongoing journey. “This milestone marks a significant step forward in our journey to create more sustainable and mindful hospitality experiences,” he said. The group plans to extend similar initiatives across its broader portfolio, leveraging the GSTC framework to standardize sustainability metrics.
Industry observers note that GSTC certification is increasingly becoming a benchmark for hotel groups aiming to attract environmentally conscious corporate clients and leisure travelers. For BWH Hotels, the certification also supports its efforts to strengthen relationships with tour operators and travel agents who prioritize sustainable options for their clients.
The achievement is particularly notable given the diverse regulatory and cultural landscapes across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Pakistan. BWH Hotels worked closely with Bureau Veritas to adapt GSTC standards to local contexts, ensuring that sustainability measures are both effective and culturally appropriate.
As the travel industry continues to grapple with climate change and resource scarcity, BWH Hotels’ certification serves as a case study in how large hotel groups can operationalize sustainability at scale. The company’s commitment to the ‘Because We Care’ program and its partnership with Bureau Veritas provide a replicable model for other hospitality chains seeking to enhance their environmental and social impact.
