Business Traveller (Middle East)
GOING ‘BEYOND GREEN’
The new sustainable hotel brand aiming to “transform travel as a force for good”
Debuting with a portfolio of 24 founding members, Beyond Green is a new sustainable hotel brand that brings together some of the world’s most forward-thinking properties – those that “work tirelessly to protect biodiversity, celebrate cultural heritage, and improve local people’s livelihoods in destinations around the world, all while delivering an exceptional guest experience”.
In order to be a member, properties must demonstrate actions and impact according to three key pillars of sustainable tourism leadership: environmentally friendly practices that go beyond the basics; protection of natural and cultural heritage; and contributing to the social and economic wellbeing of local communities.
Launched in November by the Preferred Hotel Group Inc., a brand representing more than 750 independent hotels, resorts, residences and hotel groups globally, Beyond Green was “conceptualised as the next step in Preferred’s strategic vision to make travel a positive force for people and the planet”, explains renowned responsible tourism visionary, Costas Christ, Brand Leader of Beyond Green and President of Beyond Green Travel.
“Inspired by its brand promise, ‘Believe in Travel’, the Preferred network has always championed the ideal that even during the most challenging times, travel will always march forward.”
Christ says the pandemic has heightened consumer appetite for a more “purposeful way of travel” and
Beyond Green rises to this challenge.
“The brand represents hotels, resorts and lodges that
combine true travel inspiration with authentic and innovative design, unsurpassed guest service and an array of experiences that inspire personal renewal, wellness, learning and adventure in some of the most unique and fascinating urban, rural and remote places on our planet, all wrapped together with a deep commitment to sustainability leadership in action,” he adds.
Beyond Green’s founding members are spearheading several industry leading initiatives. They include:
Xigera Safari Lodge, Okavango Delta, Botswana: Blending into the iconic landscape of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, this newly built safari lodge has implemented a sophisticated solar power system to supply its energy needs; a state-of-the-art reverse-osmosis system that provides guests and staff with purified drinking water and eliminates single-use plastic water bottles; and a compost system whereby all food waste into rich soil that is donated to local communities for use in gardens.
Three Camel Lodge, Gobi, Mongolia: This property’s Cooking for Conservation project works to protect rare snow leopards by encouraging poachers to trade steel traps used to capture the elusive animal in exchange for a set of new cooking pots – a highly valued item in Mongolia’s remote nomadic regions. To date, more than 400 illegal traps have successfully been exchanged and removed from use.
The Brando, Tetiaroa, French Polynesia: At The Brando Marine Conservation and Research Centre, scientists educate guests about the efforts underway to restore Tetiaroa Atoll, where the Brando is located, to its pristine origins, while a green tour also showcases renewable energy systems, including local coconut oil that helps to power the resort, along with solar panels.