NJV ATHENS PLAZA, a leading luxury Hotel in the heart of Athens, is pleased to announce that it is the 1st City Hotel in Greece to obtain the high-level GSTC Certification by RoyalCert®, a GSTC-Accredited certification body.
The GSTC Certification is based on a globally recognized standard for sustainable tourism, the GSTC Hotel Criteria. By achieving this certification, NJV ATHENS PLAZA once again demonstrates its commitment to protecting the environment, supporting the local community and providing sustainable experiences to its guests. The Hotel remains focused on continuously improving its sustainability efforts and setting an example for the hospitality industry.
"We believe in the importance of protecting the environment and positively contributing to the communities in which we operate. This certification is a proof of our long-standing commitment to sustainable tourism," remarked Vana Lazarakou, General Manager of the Hotel.
"We are thrilled to be GSTC Certified as it reflects our continuous efforts to be a responsible and sustainable Hotel," commented Rosa Tsirigoti, CSR Manager of the Hotel.
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) manages the GSTC Criteria, the global standards for sustainable travel and tourism and provides international accreditation for sustainable tourism Certification Bodies.
Accredited means that a Certification Body (CB) has been verified through a rigorous external review from an accreditation body whereby the GSTC provides assurance that the CB awards certification to businesses according to processes that comply with international standards and good practices.
NJV ATHENS PLAZA, through the leadership of the Corporate Responsibility Department, implements sustainable practices in all its activities, including energy and water conservation, waste reduction and recycling programs, purchasing local products and supporting cultural initiatives, while its guests know that their accommodation is in accordance with sustainable tourism standards.
With GSTC Certification, NJV ATHENS PLAZA joins an elite group of Hotels around the world that prioritize sustainability, and additionally meets the requirements of the upcoming European 'Green Claims' legislation, as RoyalCert provides the certification only through a third-party audit.
"The achievement of NJV Athens Plaza is of particular significance for Greece and the entire Mediterranean region, as today's important certification marks the highlight of a journey that began in 2018, when the Hotel became the 1st GSTC Member in Europe. Today's certification completes this path of progress. We are confident that the example of NJV ATHENS PLAZA will be pursued by many others, contributing to the transition towards a sustainable future for Greek tourism", said Dr. Ioannis Pappas, GSTC's Mediterranean Director.
About GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are three sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, Industry Criteria for Hotels and Tour Operators, and MICE Criteria for Venues, Event Organizers, and Events & Exhibitions. These are the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world's natural and cultural resources while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation.
The GSTC Criteria form the foundation for GSTC's assurance role for Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services but provides accreditation to those that do. The GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGOs, individuals and communities - all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism.
Information for media and the press: www.gstcouncil.org/about/for-the-press/
About ROYALCERT
RoyalCert® is a leading international certification organization that inspires confidence through exceptional accredited certification, training, inspection and audit services since 1996. With a global representation in more than 40 countries and a growing network of reach, it ensures sustainable development. Its wide network of +1,700 qualified professionals spanning five continents brings RoyalCert® closer to its customers, making their support on the journey towards sustainable business practices more efficient and accessible.
*Note: The term "GSTC Certified" is shorthand for "certified by a Certification Body that is GSTC Accredited"
