A partnership between Accor hotels in New Zealand and Qualmark will focus on certifying all the company’s hotels, resorts and apartments as Gold Standard Sustainable Tourism Businesses.

Qualmark, a New Zealand quality assurance organisation, has supported thousands of tourism businesses across the country to operate sustainably and its certification criteria is touted as a rigorous process that evaluates standards of sustainability across five key pillars: business systems, environment, people, community and culture, and health and safety.

Qualmark NZ General Manager, Steven Dixon, said partnering with Accord is exciting.

“Compared to 10 years ago, travellers are now three times more likely to choose a business that has been sustainably accredited,” he said.

“Our vision is to see all New Zealand tourism businesses join Qualmark, to make it easier for our manuhiri (visitors) to make sustainable choices.” 

Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PM&E, Adrian Williams, said the company’s hotels are already accredited with Qualmark and they are now taking actions for them to reach the highest possible accreditation – Gold.

“Sustainability is fundamental in our business, and we are proud to contribute to shaping the future of tourism in New Zealand by investing in our sustainability actions and activities,” he said.

“Our next phase of growth is built on our powerful sense of environmental, social and economic responsibility.

“In 2023, in collaboration with our hotel owners, Accor Pacific removed some 55 single use plastic items, such as individual toiletries from guest facing areas and plastic water bottles, in over 80 per cent of hotels.

“In 2024 and beyond, we are committed to taking these actions further into food waste and sustainability, water usage, eco certification and diversity and inclusion.”

Around the world, Accor is supporting its 5500 hotels in obtaining external sustainable certifications through a combination of partnerships.