UNWTO and WSHA partners to establish Global ESG framework for tourism

In a move to promote sustainability in the global tourism sector, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has partnered with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA) to develop a unified Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. This collaboration aims to standardise sustainability practices across the tourism and hospitality industries, ensuring a more responsible and resilient future for global tourism.

The new ESG framework will provide clear guidelines for tourism operators and hospitality businesses worldwide, helping them align their operations with sustainable development goals (SDGs). By establishing common metrics and standards, the framework seeks to address critical issues such as carbon emissions, waste management, community engagement, and ethical governance.

UN Tourism Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic says, "The ESG Framework for Tourism Businesses is set to transform the tourism sector by establishing harmonised and essential standards for companies to assess and report their sustainability efforts. The collaboration between UN Tourism and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance highlights how commitment and strategic partnerships can drive alignment and significant progress in ESG."

The WSHA, a global network of hospitality leaders, is equally committed to driving sustainability across the industry. The partnership members include major hotel chains and industry stakeholders who will play a crucial role in implementing the ESG framework within their operations. The collaboration with UNWTO will allow the WSHA to extend its reach and impact, promoting sustainable practices across the tourism and hospitality sectors on a global scale. The development of this common ESG framework is expected to have far-reaching effects, enabling businesses to adopt more sustainable practices and contribute to the broader goal of achieving the SDGs by 2030.

Glenn Mandziuk, Chief Executive Officer of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, adds, “This partnership not only underscores our commitment to sustainability but also highlights the collective power of our industry to drive meaningful change. By establishing standardised metrics and fostering greater alignment between the private and public sectors, we are paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for tourism worldwide.”