InterContinental Muscat has secured the Green Key Certification, a globally recognized mark of environmental responsibility and sustainable operations. The award places the property among a select group of hotels in Oman committed to measurable eco-friendly practices, and it comes as the hotel prepares to mark its 50th anniversary next year.
Second IHG Property in Oman to Earn the Distinction
The certification aligns with IHG Hotels & Resorts' broader Journey to Tomorrow initiative, which targets positive impact on people, communities, and the planet. InterContinental Muscat is the second of nine IHG properties in Oman to receive Green Key, underscoring the group's deepening sustainability push in the Gulf region. The hotel has introduced a series of operational changes, including the elimination of single-use plastics, a reduction in food waste through smarter kitchen management, solar-powered outdoor lighting, and a shift toward locally sourced Omani ingredients for its dining outlets.
Community engagement and colleague training are also central to the hotel's approach. Staff across all departments receive ongoing education on sustainability, and internal awareness campaigns aim to embed eco-conscious habits into daily routines.
Leadership Commentary
Sebastian Thomas, General Manager of InterContinental Muscat, said: "The Green Key Certification is a proud milestone for InterContinental Muscat. As we look ahead to our 50th anniversary next year, this recognition reinforces our belief that modern luxury must also be responsible luxury."
Viji Kunjachan, Area Director of Engineering for IHG Oman, added: "Sustainability at InterContinental Muscat is driven by practical, team-wide action across every area of the hotel. Our focus is to keep improving through measurable action, colleague education and innovation."
The hotel's sustainability investments extend beyond environmental measures. By sourcing ingredients from local Omani producers, InterContinental Muscat supports regional agriculture and reduces its carbon footprint. The property also emphasizes guest-facing initiatives, such as in-room recycling programs and digital check-in options that cut paper use.
InterContinental Muscat's achievement follows a similar certification for Centara Grand at CentralWorld, which recently secured top TCEB sustainability and accessibility certifications. The trend reflects a broader industry shift: hotel groups across Asia and the Middle East are increasingly pursuing third-party eco-labels to meet both corporate ESG targets and growing traveler demand for responsible stays.
For travel professionals—whether airline executives, hoteliers, or tour operators—the Green Key designation signals that InterContinental Muscat is prioritizing operational efficiency and environmental stewardship without compromising the luxury experience. The property continues to invest in sustainable practices, supporting guests, colleagues, the local community, and the environment as it approaches its half-century milestone.
