Bangladesh welcomes new National Operator as Green Key programme officially launches

Green Key International is pleased to welcome Bangladesh as the newest country to join the global Green Key network, following the official launch of the programme in Dhaka on 29 October 2025. The event also marked the appointment of Probha Aurora as the National Operator for Green Key Bangladesh, establishing a dedicated national framework for supporting and certifying tourism and hospitality establishments that are working to improve the environmental management of their operations. 

Hosted at the Dhaka Regency Hotel and Resort and organised by Probha Aurora in collaboration with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Bangladesh Chapter, the launch brought together leaders from government, academia and the tourism sector. Their shared focus was to advance internationally recognised sustainability standards across Bangladesh’s hotels, resorts and related businesses. 

Finn Bolding Thomsen, International Director of Green Key, attended virtually as Guest of Honour and welcomed Bangladesh to the growing global community. He highlighted the programme’s emphasis on documented compliance and independent verification. 
He noted that Green Key certification is based on strict environmental criteria that are assessed by external auditors and decision-making bodies. He added that he was pleased to see Bangladesh join the programme and that it was particularly encouraging that the Dhaka Regency Hotel is already progressing towards certification. 

Representatives from the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the organisation that manages Green Key globally, also joined online. They highlighted the relevance of responsible tourism across South Asia and commended Bangladesh for aligning with established international standards. 

The launch ceremony was inaugurated by Emeritus Professor Dr M A Sattar Mandal, who emphasised that responsible tourism practice is essential to a competitive and resilient hospitality sector. He noted that sound environmental management can strengthen both business performance and visitor experience. 

PATA Bangladesh Chairman and Dhaka Regency Executive Director Shahid Hamid FIH chaired the session. He underscored the importance of adopting recognised sustainability certification programmes within the national tourism industry and acknowledged the collaborative effort that led to the introduction of Green Key in Bangladesh. 

Speakers throughout the event discussed the opportunities that Green Key certification presents for hotels and tourism establishments. These include improving operational efficiency, strengthening staff engagement and raising awareness among guests. Findings from a feasibility study presented by Mushfiqua Hasan Stuti showed strong readiness within the hospitality sector to adopt Green Key criteria and management practices. 

In his closing remarks, Bidhan Chandra Pal, Founder and Managing Director of Probha Aurora and the newly appointed National Operator, expressed his appreciation to national and international partners for their support. He noted that the launch represents the beginning of long-term development for Bangladesh’s tourism sector, providing establishments with clear guidance and independent verification as they work to improve their environmental performance. 

With the National Operator now formally established, Green Key Bangladesh is open for applications from hotels, resorts and other eligible establishments. Interested organisations can find further details and begin the process via the official website: https://greenkeybangladesh.org/  

Green Key International looks forward to close cooperation with Probha Aurora and all participating institutions as Bangladesh takes this important step in advancing responsible tourism practices nationwide. 

4 December - Green Key Intro Sessions for interested establishments

Interested in being Green Key certified?

Join our introductory online sessions on Thursday 4 December 2025 

Do you manage a hotel, hostel, campsite, restaurant, or attraction? 
Green Key International invites you to explore the benefits of the certification through our upcoming Introduction to Green Key for interested establishments webinar on 4 December 2025. 

Two sessions  

• Session A: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (CET) Register for Session A 

• Session B: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (CET) Register for Session B 

Registration is free but required to receive the link.  

Meet the Speaker 

The sessions will be hosted by Claudia Bogensperger, International Green Key Manager, who will guide participants through the key elements of the programme and share her insights on sustainable tourism. 

What to Expect 

• Overview of Green Key criteria and certification process 

• Participation costs and available support tools 

• The benefits of joining the Green Key community 

• Guidance on how to get started 

• Q&A, bring your questions! 

Who Should Attend 

These online sessions are ideal for interested establishments considering Green Key certification or simply wanting to learn more about sustainable operations in tourism and hospitality. 

Grab a seat now!

• Session A: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (CET) Register for Session A 

• Session B: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (CET) Register for Session B 
  

If you’re looking to strengthen your sustainability strategy and gain international recognition for your efforts, this is the perfect place to start!  

Green Key partners with Corendon to advance sustainability in the hotel sector

Green Key has entered into a partnership with Corendon as part of the travel company’s growing commitment to responsible tourism and credible certification. Through this collaboration, both organisations aim to support more hotels and accommodations in obtaining recognised sustainability certification, helping the sector make measurable and transparent progress. 

Corendon’s Sustainability Manager, Floor Bregman, highlights the importance of certification in driving improvement: 

“Although certificates and labels are not the ultimate solution, they remain one of the few ways to make the sustainability performance of our partners comparable and transparent. The certifications Corendon works with are verified independently on an annual or biennial basis. A certified hotel may not make a holiday entirely sustainable, but it represents a meaningful step in the right direction.” 

Green Key is proud to be the leading international certification programme for sustainable tourism and hospitality. With around 8,000 certified establishments worldwide, the programme provides hotels with a clear and credible framework to strengthen their sustainability performance and gain recognition for their efforts. Bregman adds: 

“Green Key is a relatively well-known and accessible certification, which makes our collaboration with them a logical and valuable development.” 

To strengthen this joint effort, Green Key and Corendon will soon launch a series of webinars and training sessions designed to guide hotels through the certification process. These sessions will provide practical support to help properties meet the Green Key criteria and gain recognition for their achievements. 

Through this partnership, Green Key and Corendon are working together to encourage higher standards across the hospitality sector. The initiative not only helps hotels reduce their environmental impact and operate more responsibly but also enables travellers to make better-informed choices when selecting their accommodation. 

Green Key Opens External Hearing for Revised Sustainability Criteria

Green Key Criteria Revision Process – Join the External Hearing Phase 

Green Key is pleased to announce the launch of the external hearing phase for the proposed revision of the Green Key criteria, starting the 10th of October 2025. 

We therefore invite you to share your input on the revised global sustainability criteria — the foundation of one of the world’s leading environmental certification programme for tourism and hospitality.  

This comprehensive update ensures that the Green Key standards remain rigorous, practical, and fully aligned with international sustainability frameworks and responsible tourism practices. 

The proposed new criteria are now available for review, and this open consultation welcomes input from all — whether you are a certified establishment, National Operator, partner organisation, sustainability expert, policymaker, academic, NGO representative, or simply passionate about sustainable tourism. 

Your feedback will help ensure that the updated criteria reflect diverse perspectives and real-world applications from across the global Green Key network and the wider sustainability community. 

Feedback gathered through this external hearing will directly form the final version of the criteria, which are expected to take effect towards the end of 2026. 

We encourage you to share this invitation with colleagues, networks, and anyone engaged in tourism, hospitality, or sustainability — together, we can strengthen the foundation of Green Key and continue to raise the global standard for environmental and social excellence in tourism. 

The External Hearing has now been finalized, thank you for your efforts and contribution!

Green Key Slovenia Conference Highlights Sustainable Progress in Tourism

The fourth Green Key Slovenia Conference brought together a broad range of stakeholders in sustainable tourism at the Brdo Congress Centre. The event gathered representatives of certified Green Key establishments, experts in tourism and ESG reporting, specialists in sustainable management, public sector representatives, and partner organisations. Through shared experience and expertise, participants continued to co-create responsible tourism in Slovenia. 

The conference offered a diverse programme focused on practical approaches to sustainability within the tourism sector. Participants heard examples of Good Practices from Slovenian hotels, campsites, restaurants, and attractions where sustainable solutions have become part of daily operations. Topics included the efficient use of energy and water, the use of materials with a lower environmental impact, and transparent ESG reporting. 

Want to read more about Good Practices from all around the globe or submit your own one? Follow this link.  

Speakers also highlighted the importance of collaboration with local suppliers and the wider community. Such cooperation strengthens local economies, supports the preservation of cultural and natural heritage, and enhances the authenticity of the visitor experience. The examples presented demonstrated that sustainability adds value by increasing competitiveness, trust, and recognition, while connecting all stakeholders who contribute to the future of Slovenian tourism. 

A notable moment of the event was a lecture by Dr Sanela Peresciutti, who reminded attendees that sustainability is not only about caring for the environment, but also about caring for people. She underlined the role of emotional maturity, empathy, and self-awareness in building communities that can sustain both human and environmental wellbeing. 

Beyond the exchange of knowledge and best practice, the conference served as an important platform for dialogue, networking, and mutual support. Participants were thrilled; they reaffirmed that open cooperation and the exchange of ideas are essential for achieving meaningful and lasting change. 

The event once again emphasised that Green Key represents more than a certificate. It is a shared commitment to responsible practice and collective responsibility within the tourism sector. Through the efforts of Green Key establishments, Slovenia continues to strengthen its reputation as a destination that values sustainability and accountability in tourism development. 

Hospitality with purpose in the Philippines: the story of Novotel & Ibis Manila Anareta City

A celebrated long-term commitment 

Novotel Manila Araneta City and Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City have been recently awarded the Green Key certification, recognising their commitment to responsible hospitality. 

“At Novotel and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City, our Green Key certification reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting the planet while delivering exceptional guest experiences” said Maria Manlulu-Garcia, Area General Manager. “This achievement demonstrates that sustainability and comfort can go hand in hand.” 

Novotel Manila’s sustainability journey began a decade ago, with environmental initiatives becoming part of its daily operations. Ibis Styles Manila has also placed emphasis on reducing environmental impact through its amenities and facilities. Together, the two hotels put sustainability at the heart of their service, a commitment now recognised with the Green Key certificate. 

Concrete sustainable actions  

 Across both establishments, guest rooms have been designed to avoid single-use plastics. Refillable water containers, pump dispensers for toiletries, eco-certified paper products and biodegradable waste liners are now standard. Energy-saving measures include preset air-conditioning, LED lighting, and towel and linen reuse programmes. 

The hotels are very involved in reducing food waste and offering plastic-free dining. Vegetarian options are available, and Novotel donates untouched breakfast food to the Philippine Red Cross. Meetings and events are organised with sustainability in mind, using QR code menus, LED signage, reusable flip charts, and reduced paper use. 

Behind the scenes, the hotels prioritise suppliers with recognised sustainability practices, separate waste effectively, use in-house water refilling stations, and adopt energy-efficient lighting and cleaning products. Both guests and employees are encouraged to take part in activities such as Earth Hour, clean-up drives, and energy-saving initiatives including reduced car idling.    

Both Novotel and Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City want to continue to strengthen their environmental initiatives in the years to come. Thank you and congratulations for Araneta Hotels Inc.’s ongoing commitment.  

Inspired by Novotel and Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City’s journey toward more sustainability? Read other empowering news of Green Key’s network here. 

World Tourism Day 2025: Tourism and Sustainable Transformation

On 27 September 2025, the global tourism community celebrates World Tourism Day and the theme is “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” 

This year’s focus reminds us the role of tourism as a driver of sustainable and resilient change. Tourism connects people and places, strengthens local economies, and protects cultural and natural heritage. At the same time, it must address challenges related to global warming, inequality, and overuse of resources to ensure a positive long-term impact. Tourism is an essential pillar of the  2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and it can help achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (especially goals 8, 12 & 14). On earth, one person out of ten is employed by the tourism sector which provides livelihoods to hundreds of millions of people. 

“Tourism is a powerful engine of opportunity. It creates jobs and strengthens bonds between people and places, reminding us of our shared humanity. Yet, it can also damage the very places and communities it celebrates. As the world faces climate breakdown and rising inequality, we need bold, urgent, and sustainable transformation that puts people and planet first.” 

- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres 

Green Key’s contribution 

With more than 8,000 certified establishments in over 90 countries, Green Key is proud to be part of this global movement towards sustainable tourism. The programme continues to grow steadily and Good Practices flourish across the different sites.  

The people working in tourism are behind this progress, as well as the commitment of certified sites, and the choices made by travelers. Everyday, efforts pay off and practices evolve, sustainable tourism is possible and powerful!  

Help shape the future of sustainable tourism 

Green Key is currently revising its criteria, and we want your voice in the process. From 10 October to 10 November 2025, an external hearing will be open through an online survey. Partners and stakeholders are warmly invited to share feedback to ensure the criteria remain ambitious, practical, and impactful for tourism’s sustainable transformation. 

Get ready to share your feedback, the survey goes live on Friday 10 October! 

Green Key wants to celebrate and thank all the certified establishments from the network for developing inspiring new projects over the years.  

Thank you also to Green Key’s valuable partners and stakeholders, whose ongoing support, collaboration, and commitment play a crucial role in driving our shared mission forward and ensuring the continued success of the programme. 

Our last thanks go to the travelers: thank you for exploring the world and be part of the change.  

What is World Tourism Day ? 

The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) , Institutional Partner of Green Key, instituted World Tourism Day in 1980. This date was chosen to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes in 1970. World Tourism Day aim to draw attention on the role of tourism globally. Another goal is to shine a light on the social, cultural, political and economic aspects tourism affects.  

By celebrating World Tourism Day, the United Nations wish to spread international awareness but also to encourage people to take action on these issues.  

To find out more about Green Key’s institutional partners, follow this link.  

Opening Doors to Sustainable Tourism in Democratic Republic of the Congo: Novotel Kinshasa

Located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Novotel Kinshasa La Gombé has recently been awarded the Green Key certification, an international recognition of the hotel’s environmental responsibility and a guarantee of its commitment to sustainable operations. 

Sustainable Practices at Novotel Kinshasa 

Accor has long been committed to sustainability, and Novotel Kinshasa has embraced this mission by embedding sustainable practices into its daily operations, setting an example for hospitality in Kinshasa. A wide range of initiatives have been introduced, from food waste reduction to responsible purchasing. 

The property is now fully LED-equipped, and staff members can rely on environmentally friendly cleaning products. Initiatives to reduce water consumption have also been implemented: in housekeeping, guests are encouraged to reuse sheets and towels to help conserve significant amounts of water. Meanwhile, the technical team closely monitors leaks or malfunctioning taps to prevent waste. 

Novotel Kinshasa has also adopted more responsible purchasing habits, such as sourcing food from local markets, avoiding endangered species, and choosing sustainable alternatives wherever possible. The hotel is now plastic-free—described by the property as “a particularly meaningful achievement in a country where plastic is still widely used.” While implementing these changes was not without challenges, the hotel’s determination and consistent effort have paid off. 

Team Efforts and Engagement 

In Kinshasa, sustainability awareness remains at an early stage. Recycling and sustainable practices are not yet widespread, but Novotel Kinshasa’s team has become deeply engaged and passionate about sustainability. Through training and day-to-day practice, they have embraced initiatives such as food waste reduction and plastic elimination in guest-facing areas. 

Reaching this level of engagement required months of preparation, onboarding, and reinforcement. For example, when implementing waste sorting, staff needed ongoing reminders to ensure compliance. Similarly, sorting plastics required significant adjustments, but the team demonstrated remarkable commitment to change. 

Staff members continue to take part in workshops and training sessions to deepen their understanding of sustainability and its importance. These efforts illustrate that meaningful change in the tourism sector relies heavily on the dedication of employees working behind the scenes. 

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Events, Collaboration, and Partnerships 

Over the past two years, Novotel Kinshasa has organised and participated in several sustainability events. A city clean-up day mobilized staff to collect waste, which was then delivered to one of the few recycling companies in Kinshasa. For Earth Day, the hotel planted trees—a symbolic gesture reflecting its long-term commitment. These initiatives were made possible through collective and enthusiastic team participation. 

The hotel has also forged impactful partnerships. With FANYA Association, an NGO dedicated to promoting sustainability and youth engagement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Novotel Kinshasa has carried out awareness-raising actions such as street clean-ups. Another partnership with Green Africa / AfriFuture ensures that used cooking oils from the hotel are collected and transformed into new products such as soaps and green fuels. Through these collaborations, Novotel Kinshasa continues to reinforce its role as a leader in responsible hospitality while contributing to local environmental initiatives. 

A Milestone for Hospitality in Kinshasa 

With the Green Key certification, Novotel Kinshasa La Gombé establishes itself as a benchmark for sustainable hospitality in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The hotel not only enhances the guest experience but also contributes to the local community by actively advancing sustainable tourism. 

About Novotel Kinshasa La Gombé 

Opened just two years ago, Novotel Kinshasa La Gombé, part of the Accor Group, is a modern hotel designed to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers, with a strong commitment to sustainability. Located in the heart of Gombe, Kinshasa’s business and diplomatic district, the hotel offers contemporary accommodations, refined dining options, and versatile meeting spaces. 

Visit Novotel Kinshasa La Gombé here. Novotel Kinshasa La Gombe, Hotel in Democratic Republic Of Congo - ALL 

Advancing sustainable hospitality through responsible cleaning

How certified plant-based cleaning products contribute to measurable sustainability in the hospitality sector.

As global tourism continues to grow, the hospitality industry faces increasing expectations to reduce its environmental impact. At Green Key, we recognise that sustainability must be integrated into all aspects of hotel operations—including daily cleaning practices. 

While often overlooked, cleaning operations can significantly affect a property's environmental and health performance, from chemical usage and water consumption to indoor air quality. That’s why more hotels are moving toward verified, plant-based cleaning solutions that deliver measurable results.  

As part of our commitment to driving continuous improvement in hospitality, Green Key includes a criterion related to chemical use in daily cleaning. Specifically, we require that at least 75% of all chemical cleaning products used on a daily basis carry a recognised eco-label. This ensures that the majority of products used by certified properties meet strict standards for environmental responsibility, formulation safety, and overall impact. Choosing such products isn’t just about ticking a box—it reflects a broader commitment to responsible operations and transparent sourcing. 

Why responsible cleaning is integral to certification goals 

Properties pursuing or maintaining Green Key certification are expected to demonstrate clear action in areas such as chemical management, resource efficiency, and health and safety. Conventional cleaning products often rely on fossil-derived ingredients, single-use plastic packaging, and synthetic additives—all of which contribute to emissions, waste, and long-term environmental degradation. 

Responsible cleaning offers a practical and impactful path forward: one that aligns with the criteria of Green Key certification while supporting the well-being of staff, guests, and the wider environment. 

Certified solutions backed by independent assessment 

Our partner Diversey's SURE™ product range provides an example of a science-based, independently certified solution. These products are: 

• Plant-based from renewable rescources* and derived from agro-food waste—using materials that would otherwise be discarded. 

• 100% biodegradable, verified by OECD 301B testing standards. 

• Free from synthetic dyes and petrochemical ingredients, helping reduce chemical exposure and pollution. 

• Up to 100% recycled plastic, SURE packaging is made up to 100% Post Consumer Recycled plastic the reduce the amount of virgin plastic and plastic pollution. 

• Third-party certified, including EU Ecolabel and Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Gold, ensuring transparency and accountability across product lifecycles. 

These certifications are reviewed regularly, providing ongoing assurance of compliance with high environmental and safety standards. 

Supporting the 4 Pillars of net positive hospitality 

Diversey’s  recent innovations aligns with Green Key’s vision of Net Positive Hospitality, where hotels actively contribute to regeneration and community well-being. Responsible cleaning directly supports this ambition by adding value across four key areas: 

• People 
  Products formulated to achieve the lowest  hazard classifications reduce health risks for cleaning staff and guests. Simplified labelling also aids safe handling and staff training. 

• Planet 
  The formulations are 100% biodegradable (based on independent assessments) and made from renewable, non-petrochemical sources. They reduce chemical and plastic pollution and help conserve water and energy, contributing to lower emissions and the protection of ecosystems. 

• Place 
  By embracing circularity and using products certified by Cradle to Cradle™, hotels become stewards of local environmental health. They reduce waste, support regenerative design principles, and can engage with suppliers that share sustainability values. 

• Prosperity 
  Efficient use of resources, combined with reduced waste and simplified processes, creates long-term operational savings. At the same time, it enhances brand reputation and supports compliance with sustainability standards and customer expectations. 

A practical step toward certification and continuous improvement 

For hotels committed to responsible tourism and high sustainability standards, reviewing and updating cleaning practices is a meaningful step. Adopting third-party certified cleaning products supports Green Key criteria related to chemical use, staff health and safety, waste management, and environmental communication. 

What circular cleaning looks like in practice 

Certified, plant-based products like SURE™ exemplify the principles of circularity—using waste as a resource, minimizing harm, and enabling continuous improvement. They allow hotels to move beyond reducing impact and begin actively contributing to more sustainable outcomes. 

For properties already certified, this represents a clear opportunity to enhance performance. For those beginning their Green Key journey, it is a strong foundation for building credibility and resilience. 

Discover the full SURE™ range here: 

Plant based professional cleaning products SURE™ 

Disclaimer 

This article includes sustainability-related claims supported by third-party certifications (EU Ecolabel, Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Gold), internal performance data, and independent lab testing (e.g., OECD 301B biodegradability assessment). Environmental impact claims (e.g. CO₂ reduction) are based on modelled comparisons with conventional, high-temperature or ready-to-use products and may vary with actual usage. For full methodology, verification data, or certificate references, please contact Solenis.