The Preferred Hotel Group has launched a new sustainable hotel brand called Beyond Green, with a global portfolio of 24 founding member hotels, resorts, and lodges.
These are properties that 'exemplify sustainable tourism leadership' and are 'driven by a steadfast commitment to build a better and brighter future for travel in a way that also helps to protect the planet for future generations'.
It is a venture between the Ueberroth Family, owners of Preferred, and ecotourism pioneer and global sustainability expert Costas Christ, founder of Beyond Green Travel, which Preferred acquired in February 2020.
Beyond Green will look to bring together forward-thinkingproperties around the world that are committed to delivering on the three key pillars of sustainable tourism:
To be considered for Beyond Green membership, a property must demonstrate leadership in the three key pillars of sustainable tourism as part of a rigorous vetting process.
It must also show progress in meeting more than 50 sustainability indicators that align with global sustainable tourism standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Examples of these requirements, among others, which form part of an ongoing, biennial on-site inspection process, include :
- management of overall environmental operations to establish benchmarks and set additional sustainability goals including carbon emission reduction targets
- elimination of plastic water bottles and reducing single use plastics; support for biodiversity conservation initiatives and restoration and protection of natural habitats
- embracing local cultural vernacular in design and décor and supporting the preservation of cultural heritage sites
- a demonstrated priority to hire locally according to fair wages, benefits, and non-discrimination policies, and
- priority to purchase goods and services from locally owned and operated businesses.
Beyond Green's 24 founding members are :
- &Beyond Bateleur Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
- &Beyond Mnemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania
- &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namib Desert, Namibia
- Aristi Mountain Resort, Zagori, Greece
- Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo, Ireland
- Bentwood Inn, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA
- Blancaneaux Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge, Belize
- Borgo Pignano, Tuscany, Italy
- Bushmans Kloof, Western Cape, South Africa
- Cavallo Point, Sausalito, California, USA
- InterContinental Bora Bora Resort, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
- Islas Secas, Gulf of Chiriquí, Panama
- Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California, USA
- Ted Turner Reserves Vermejo, Raton, New Mexico, USA
- The Brando, Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
- The Ranch at Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, California, USA
- Three Camel Lodg, Gobi, Mongolia
- Turtle Inn, Placencia, Belize
- Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
- Wilderness Safaris DumaTau Camp, Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, Botswana
- Wilderness Safaris Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, Kaokoveld, Namibia
- Wilderness Safaris Linkwasha Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
- Wilderness Safaris Mombo Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana, and
- Xigera Safari Lodge, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Useful links
www.staybeyondgreen.com/founding-members
www.PreferredHotels.com