VERA-FY set new benchmark for ESG verification Launched at the end of 2025, VERA-FY is a groundbreaking ESG data and verification platform that could redefine how hospitality proves its sustainability credentials. Developed by the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, it introduces independent, industry-specific verification aligned with global sustainability criteria and the Alliance’s Universal Sustainability KPIs. For the first time, competing global hotel brands are aligning around shared metrics, enabling consistent, comparable and credible disclosure across markets. At a time when regulatory frameworks are tightening and investor scrutiny is intensifying, VERA- FY addresses one of the sector’s biggest challenges: turning sustainability commitments into verifiable evidence. Glenn Mandziuk, President & CEO of the Alliance, says: “Vera-FY represents our response to a world where investors, guests and employees demand uncompromising authenticity in sustainability claims. In this environment, credibility is our most valuable asset and our strongest foundation for trust.” As ESG reporting expectations mature worldwide, VERA-FY signals a shift from fragmented reporting to aligned, independently verified performance at global scale. CO 2 emissions by 71.4% by 2035 places it ahead of many peers, and for the seventh consecutive year the group has been included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook. Melia’s Project CO2PERATE optimises air conditioning systems through AI to reduce energy consumption, while its Road to Net Zero Events programme lowers the impact of large-scale gatherings. Iberostar’s white paper, developed with Circle Economy and UN Tourism, addresses barriers to circular hospitality and sets out a practical “360° circular model”. Accor, winner of the World’s Leading Climate Initiative award in 2025, links procurement incentives directly to climate goals, rewarding teams for working with aligned suppliers. Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris has been recognised for rethinking its supply chain through responsible sourcing and ethical partnerships. Beyond buildings and supply chains, biodiversity is also on the agenda. Six Senses has raised awareness of seagrass protection – often referred to as ‘the lungs of the sea’ – which absorbs carbon 35 times faster than tropical forests and plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems.
Above: Hotels are seeking photovoltaic solutions Left: Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris has been recog- nised for its responsible sourcing
Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027 will allow UN Tourism, as the leading international tourism organization, to support our Member States in positioning tourism as a truly transformative sector within the post-2030 agenda.” The initiative forms part of a broader UN Tourism roadmap designed to embed sustainability into policy frameworks, investment decisions and destination management worldwide. Alongside policy, partnerships are accelerating implementation. The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the ‘Alliance’) has partnered with the China Photovoltaic Industry Association to aid the sector’s global transition toward sustainable, low- carbon development. Meanwhile, The Travel Foundation and Expedia Group are addressing overtourism through climate action, launching a virtual training programme for destination management organisations. New global initiative Tourism Food
for Good, led by UN Tourism, TUI Care Foundation and the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Resilience and Sustainable Development, tackles food waste in hospitality and is developing the 2040 Impact Roadmap for Sustainable Food Systems in Tourism. Meanwhile, Hilton’s Green Ramadan initiative with Winnow has been recognised as ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Partnership 2025’ at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards. Winnow has helped leading hotel groups save more than $100 million annually by cutting food waste through AI-powered tracking. HOTELS In hotel operations, sustainability is increasingly integrated into core strategy. Radisson’s Verified Net Zero hotels in Manchester and Oslo show how properties can reach targets early, using 100% renewable energy, heat pumps, induction cooking and reducing Scope 3 emissions. Meliá International’s target to reduce
ATM YEARBOOK 2026 | 123
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator