Sands China Ltd. has once again secured a place in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class (DJBIC) Asia Pacific Index, marking its sixth consecutive inclusion, and its fifth in the DJBIC World Index. The recognition, announced in the latest annual assessment, cements the Macau-based operator’s position as the only integrated resort company globally to be listed on both benchmarks.
The 2026 evaluation cycle invited 16 integrated resort operators to participate. Only Sands China and its parent company, Las Vegas Sands Corp., made the World Index. Las Vegas Sands Corp. also earned a spot in the World and North America indices for the seventh straight year, reflecting the group’s sustained commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) management.
ESG Embedded for Two Decades
Grant Chum, Chief Executive Officer of Sands China, described the dual listing as “an encouraging high-level international endorsement of our outstanding ESG performance.” The company has integrated ESG principles into its operations for more than 20 years, focusing on local talent development, community inclusion and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Under its People pillar, the Sands China Academy had delivered 18 million training hours to local employees by the end of 2025. The Community pillar, through the Sands Cares Ambassador Programme, logged over 362,000 hours of community service. On the environmental front, the Planet pillar achieved a 61% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2018 levels, earning a renewal of ISO 14001 certification.
The Dow Jones Best-in-Class Indices, launched in 1999, assess more than 12,000 companies worldwide on corporate sustainability. Sands China’s continued presence highlights its focus on sustainable development and corporate social responsibility, areas increasingly scrutinized by travel-industry stakeholders from hotel groups to cruise lines.
For travel professionals, the recognition signals that Sands China is aligning with global ESG standards that are becoming a competitive differentiator in hospitality and tourism. As Accor’s 800-property pipeline reshapes its China strategy for sustainable growth, operators across the region are under pressure to demonstrate measurable ESG outcomes. Similarly, China’s hospitality sector eyes AI-native hotels, but ESG credentials remain a core benchmark for investors and partners.
The achievement also comes amid broader shifts in Macau’s tourism landscape, where integrated resorts are competing for high-value visitors and MICE business. Sands China’s ESG track record could strengthen its appeal to corporate clients and travel agents seeking sustainable partners. Meanwhile, Hilton Garden Inns signs 2,000+ rooms across China, underscoring the scale of hospitality development in the region.
Chum added that the company remains committed to “driving positive impact” across its operations, a message that resonates with travel-industry decision-makers prioritizing responsible business practices.
