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Green Key in Fiji: Announcement of first establishments in the South Pacific archipelago

Green Key is pleased to announce that OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island, Fiji have become the first establishments in Fiji to achieve Green Key certification. The certification was awarded following a comprehensive auditing and documentation process, confirming the resorts’ compliance with Green Key’s rigorous environmental and social responsibility criteria. 

Both properties demonstrate strong environmental management systems and a long-term commitment to sustainability. They implement measures to reduce energy and water consumption, manage waste responsibly, and prioritise sustainable purchasing. At OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort, a dedicated environmental officer oversees legislative compliance and supports continuous improvement across all operational areas. 

The resorts place a strong emphasis on community engagement and local economic support through local employment and sourcing practices. Environmental education is integrated into the guest experience, encouraging awareness of sustainability and conservation issues. 

Marine conservation is a key focus at Castaway Island, Fiji, where the recently launched Sculptural Coral Gene Bank supports coral regeneration while providing an educational platform for guests to learn about reef protection and biodiversity. 

As the first Green Key certified establishments in Fiji, OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island, Fiji set an important benchmark for sustainable tourism in the destination and demonstrate how high-quality hospitality can align with strong environmental and social practices. 

ABOUT OUTRIGGER RESORTS & HOTELS 

For more than 75 years, OUTRIGGER has charted a journey of discovery – expanding from Hawaii to premier resort destinations including Fiji, Mauritius, Thailand and the Maldives. The privately held hospitality company invites guests to ‘Come Be Here’ with authentic Signature Experiences and the  OUTRIGGER DISCOVERY loyalty program – a member of the award-winning Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). OUTRIGGER’s multi-branded portfolio includes OUTRIGGER Resorts, Hawaii Vacation Condos by OUTRIGGER®, The Kapalua Villas Maui and OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort & Spa while also managing select properties from top international hotel brands including Embassy Suites by Hilton®. Find out more at  OUTRIGGER.com  or visit @OUTRIGGERResorts on Facebook, Instagram and  X. 






About Green Key 


Green Key is a leading international environmental certification programme for tourism and hospitality businesses, operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The certification is awarded to establishments that meet strict environmental standards across areas such as energy and water conservation, waste management, sustainable sourcing, environmental education, and corporate social responsibility. Recognised worldwide, Green Key provides travelers with trusted assurance that certified hotels and resorts are actively reducing their environmental impact while contributing positively to the destinations in which they operate.  

Dieci Boutique Restaurant: A Culinary Event and a Model of Sustainability

Nestled in the Bulgarian countryside, Dieci Boutique Restaurant offers more than fine dining, it’s a celebration of culinary artistry, local flavours, and sustainable practices. Recognised as the only Michelin-star restaurant experience in Bulgaria, Dieci is led by the dynamic duo Chef Gianfranco Chiarini and Restaurant Director/Sommelier Anna Chiarini, who together create an unforgettable experience for the ten exclusive guests served each evening. 

Certified under the Green Key Programme, Dieci demonstrates that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. The Green Key programme recognises establishments worldwide that meet rigorous environmental and ethical standards. Following a thorough on-site audit, Dieci has implemented a series of innovative measures that set a benchmark for the hospitality industry. 

Innovative Sustainable Practices at Dieci 

Plastic Reuse

Following Green Key certification, the team at Dieci decided to take a more in-depth approach to plastic reduction and recycling. All food-grade plastics are melted and formed into bricks, which are planned to construct a new recycling facility. Going further, they have transformed the plastic into 1.7 mm 3D printer filaments, which are then used to create uniquely designed plates for serving small bites. This approach not only reduces waste but also encourages meaningful conversations with guests about reducing, reusing, and recycling plastics. 

Wood Renewal and Reuse

Dieci has renovated its tables using naturally fallen cherry trees, regenerating the wood for sustainable use. Metal “bow ties,” made from recycled metal melted on-site, prevent further cracking while demonstrating innovative reuse of materials. The leftover wood is repurposed into small serving structures, and by 2026, the restaurant plans to produce its own pellets for heating using reclaimed wood from fallen branches and trees. This initiative clears hazardous forest waste while providing an ethical and environmentally sound heating solution. 

Flooring and Decor

Sustainability extends to the restaurant’s interior, where custom-made hemp carpets replace traditional flooring, and hemp insulation is used throughout the new Food Lab. These choices reflect a holistic approach to eco-friendly materials in every aspect of the restaurant. 

 Why These Practices Matter 

The sustainable measures at Dieci are not only environmentally responsible, they are also an integral part of the guest experience. Reviews frequently compare Dieci to renowned Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide, with some guests noting that their experience at Dieci surpasses even the most famous establishments. The restaurant’s seasonal tasting menu, based on the “From Farm to Table” philosophy, uses 98% local ingredients and integrates recycling of all food waste, highlighting a strong commitment to sustainability at every level. 

By combining exceptional cuisine, personalised service, and pioneering environmental practices, Dieci creates a dining experience that is both unforgettable and socially responsible. 

Remarkable Results

  • Zero waste thrown or delivered 

  • Guests actively engaged in discussions on sustainability 

  • Recognition as the most sustainable restaurant in Bulgaria and Eastern Europe for 2025 by Green Key 

Dieci Boutique Restaurant is a prime example of how restaurants can harmonise gastronomy and environmental stewardship, inspiring both industry peers and guests alike. 

Green Key ‘s major developments in 2025

Green Key International marked a year of significant progress in 2025, reporting robust global growth, strengthened partnerships, and major advances in its sustainability framework. 

The certification programme expanded by more than 25 percent during the year, growing from approximately 6,500 certified establishments in late 2024 to over 8,300 locations across 90 countries. This growth reflects increasing demand from the tourism industry for credible and internationally recognised sustainability certification. 

To support new applicants, Green Key hosted numerous introductory webinars throughout 2025, with plans to extend tailored support to re-applicant establishments in 2026. 

Green Key establishments - as of July 2025

Collaboration with major industry partners remained a key driver of growth. Green Key continued cooperation with several international hotel chains, renewed its long-standing partnership with Accor, and signed a new agreement with The Shilla Hotels & Resorts. Additional hotel chain partnerships are expected to be finalised soon. On the tour operator side, new partnerships were established with Sunweb Group and Corendon, while cooperation continued with Jet2holidays and was renewed with Aurinkomatkat. 

In 2025, Green Key also became an active member of the newly established Tourism Sustainability Certifications Alliance (TSCA). Through this alliance, Green Key is working alongside other leading certification programmes to develop joint minimum standards and address shared challenges, contributing to greater alignment and credibility across sustainability certifications. 

A major focus of the year was the revision of Green Key’s criteria. The updated criteria, developed through internal working groups, external expert input, and public consultation, are expected to take effect on 1 October 2026. They aim to reflect current sustainability expectations and align with ISO principles. The revised criteria and explanatory notes will be published in early 2026. 

In parallel, Green Key is redesigning its certification process, with implementation also planned for October 2026. The updated system will harmonise procedures across countries, align with ISO requirements, and clearly define responsibilities among applicants, Green Key, third-party auditors, and certification bodies. 

These updates are designed to ensure readiness for the EU’s Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive, which will take effect in late 2026. Green Key plans to apply for scheme approval with the Danish National Accreditation Body, while the Foundation for Environmental Education will seek accreditation of its certification body in 2026. 

Green Key’s visibility continued to increase in 2025, with 165,000 unique website visitors, more than 14,000 social media followers, and over 8,900 newsletter subscribers. 

Looking ahead to 2026, Green Key plans to publish its new criteria and certification processes, support establishments through the transition, deepen cooperation with partners, and continue expanding its global network in support of responsible and sustainable tourism. 

 

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News from our partners: Rethinking Plastic Waste with Diversey

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From Guest Experience to Lasting Impact

Across the hospitality industry, plastic pollution has become one of the biggest sustainability challenges, and hotels are on the frontline. Hotels, being hubs of comfort and service, are also at the forefront of this issue. From single-use toiletry bottles and disposable packaging to the less visible plastic waste guests bring in, such as water bottles, takeaway containers, or shopping bags. 

  

What seems small in a single room becomes massive when scaled across an entire property or hotel group 365 days a year. Hoteliers need solutions that reduce plastic waste without compromising service or guest satisfaction. 

Green Key International partners with organizations that share its mission of measurable, practical impact. One such partner, Diversey, has taken major steps to rethink how cleaning and hygiene products can reduce plastic waste while maintaining high standards of safety, cleanliness, and guest experience. Together, Green Key & Diversey can accelerate impact and close the gap between intention and implementation because progress requires innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. 

  

Redefining Clean: From Hygiene to Responsibility 

Sustainability trends are reshaping how cleaning and hygiene are defined in hospitality. Hotels are no longer judged only by how clean they are, but by how responsibly they clean. 

Today’s new standards in hospitality include plastic minimisation, responsible packaging, and the ambition to become plastic neutral. Yet too many cleaning products are still packaged in virgin plastic that is difficult to recycle and nearly impossible to dispose of responsibly. 

  

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink 

Diversey approaches plastic reduction through four guiding principles Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rethink, turning plastic packaging from a waste challenge into measurable ESG impact. 

  

Optimised for Recycling 

Too many plastic items in hotels, including cleaning product packaging available on the market are still made of virgin plastic and are difficult to recycle, making proper disposal a challenge.  

To lead the shift to a circular economy, Diversey is reducing virgin plastic use, innovating sustainable packaging, and integrating recycled materials. By the end of 2025, all 5L canisters will have transitioned to Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic, cutting virgin plastic while maintaining durability, safety, and performance.  

Redesigned Housekeeping Range 

Diversey redesigned also its Room Care SafePack® pouches into fully recyclable, mono-material packaging that empties completely, leaving no residue and supporting circularity in regions with advanced recycling infrastructure such as Europe By moving away from virgin plastic to fully recyclable pouches, Diversey not only reduces its own environmental footprint but also helps hotels reduce theirs. 

  

With Room Care Plus Pur-Eco, over 75% of daily room cleaning products now carry the EU Ecolabel. Using concentrated formulations and closed dosing systems, hotels can cut packaging waste by up to 98% compared to ready-to-use bottles. Less plastic waste, lower CO₂ emissions, and consistent performance without compromising hygiene or guest satisfaction. 

Plastic-Free Personal Care 

Guest amenities and handsoap often generate large amounts of unnoticed plastic waste. To address this hidden plastic waste stream, Diversey introduced LESSEAU®, a plastic-free hand hygiene solution made from 99% natural ingredients. Each solid soap bar replaces up to seven 1-liter plastic liquid handwash bottles, reducing both plastic and transport emissions. 

Used with a refillable dispenser that turns the bar into rich lather, hotels can maintain the same level of hygiene and guest experience without the use of plastic. Scaling innovations like this across thousands of rooms creates measurable progress toward circular hospitality, where every refill, reuse, and redesign counts. 

Take Back and Upcycling Where Needed Most 

In many parts of the world, recycling infrastructure is still limited. When there is no suitable recycling facility available for hotels, plastic waste must be treated as residual waste and incinerated the least sustainable option in the waste hierarchy, as it does not contribute to circularity. But every bottle or container discarded is a lost opportunity for circular progress.  

To change that, Diversey partnered with Corsair in Thailand to launch a plastic take-back initiative for hotels. Collected waste is diverted from the environment and converted into valuable materials such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): — reducing leakage, creating local jobs, and supporting circular progress and enabling hotels to make a tangible contribution to a cleaner future. 

Beyond Thailand, we expanded our PlasticShredssm programme, an upcycling initiative. The program transforms used plastic waste into durable materials for infrastructures replacing gravel in village roads, pavements, and even sports courts. 

By turning plastic waste into something that strengthens communities, Diversey closes the loop on materials that once caused harm. This is circular hospitality in action combining environmental responsibility with social impact, where every piece of plastic recovered builds both resilience and regeneration. For more information about PlasticShredsSM  or other CSV- programmes, click here. 

  Diversey reimagined its cleaning solutions to simplify recycling, eliminate plastic where possible, and give waste new purpose where recycling falls short. Because small design changes can spark big change helping hospitality turn sustainability goals into lasting impact for the environment, guests, and local communities. 

Disclaimer 

This article includes sustainability-related claims based on internal testing, customer case studies, and verified product specifications. All environmental data reflects available figures at the time of publication and assumes typical hotel usage scenarios. Claims regarding recyclability, CO₂ savings, and plastic reductions are based on current market conditions in the regions specified. For full methodology, verification data, or certificate references, please contact Solenis.   

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Green Key and Shilla Hotels begin a sustainability journey across Asia

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Green Key International and Shilla Hotels have begun shaping a new partnership that places education, behavioural change and long term sustainability at the centre of hotel management. The company has expressed a strong commitment to developing sustainability practices that are embedded in local culture and local hotel operations. 

During recent discussions, Finn Bolding Thomsen, International Director of Green Key International, emphasised that the heart of Green Key is not only in the registration of consumption and reduction of use of resources, but also in education. He explained that any true progress depends on the education of all stakeholders and noted that meaningful change requires awareness, knowledge and a shared sense of responsibility. Daniel Schaffer, CEO of the Foundation for Environmental Education, added that the challenge lies in placing emphasis on behavioural change, education and public awareness. He highlighted that changing minds remains difficult but essential. 

Shilla Hotels shares this ambition. The Group aims to develop initiatives that speak to long term commitments and is working towards ambitious sustainability goals, including carbon neutrality by the year 2050 and improvements to existing practices such as reducing plastic wrapping in favour of more efficient and environmentally responsible solutions. Shilla Hotels also plans to strengthen governance through the creation of an ESG Community. 

The Company already runs a wide range of projects that support communities and the environment. These include Delicious Jeju, programmes centred on employee welfare, and Unexpected Luck, a Jeju based customer service initiative offering complimentary rooms in the event of travel delays. Their Offline Environmental Activities bring together students and volunteers in environmental projects, while their Shilla Eco Bags, the use of electric vehicles and the transition from plastic to paper bags demonstrate the group’s intention to integrate sustainability into everyday operations. 

The collaboration aims to support Shilla Hotels in developing sustainability initiatives that lead to measurable progress and long-term behavioural change. By combining Shilla’s commitment to innovation with Green Key’s expertise in education and responsible operation, both organisations aim to inspire guests, staff and communities across Asia to adopt more sustainable habits. 

A special thank you to Daniel Lee Rhi, Marketing Senior Manager, and Jooyoung Lee, Marketing Director, for sharing their insights and choosing Green Key as collaboration partner. 

If you wish to learn more about Green Key criteria, certified sites or the certification process, you may visit our homepage or register to one of our Intro Session below

Learn more about Green Key
Register to an intro session

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  

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!

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

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

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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!