BWH Hotels Achieves GSTC Certification Across Australia & New Zealand, Marking a Major Regional Sustainability Milestone 

BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality enterprise, is proud to announce that all its Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels across Australia and New Zealand have achieved certification under the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards — one of the world's most respected benchmarks for sustainable tourism.

Through its accredited partner Bureau Veritas Group, the group's operational effectiveness was assessed in four key areas: Sustainable Management, Socio-Economic Impact, Cultural Impacts and Environmental Impacts. The assessment confirmed that BWH Hotels is effectively equipping its properties and teams with the frameworks and tools required to drive long‑term sustainability progress and deliver meaningful, positive outcomes for the planet.

BWH Hotels is committed to operating responsibly and with genuine care for the environment. Guided by its global Because We Care program, the group weaves three core pillars — Earth, People, and Community (EPC), into everyday decision‑making. Whether it's reducing water usage, lowering carbon emissions, minimising waste, or supporting local communities, these principles shape practical actions across the organisation. It's a steady, purposeful approach that continues to move our hotels toward more sustainable ways of operating.

“Across Australia and New Zealand, our teams have shown real commitment in working toward more responsible and sustainable operations. Achieving GSTC certification is an important milestone for us because it reflects the consistency and care our people bring to this work,” said Rod Munro, Managing Director, BWH Hotels Australasia.

“In partnership with Bureau Veritas, we were able to benchmark our progress and identify opportunities to strengthen our approach. This certification recognises the steps we've taken so far and encourages us to continue building on them. Responsible travel is an integral part of our values, and this achievement marks a meaningful step in our ongoing sustainability journey.”

With GSTC certification now achieved across the entire Australia and New Zealand portfolio, BWH Hotels is committed to building on this momentum. The group will continue to invest in training, system enhancements, and strategic partnerships that support long‑term, meaningful transformation.

BWH Hotels will remain focused on:

• Expanding energy and water efficiency initiatives to reduce operational impact
• Reducing single‑use plastics and improving waste diversion through smarter procurement and on‑property practices.
• Enhancing biodiversity and cultural preservation efforts, particularly in regions with sensitive natural and cultural environments.
• Supporting local suppliers and community organisations to strengthen regional economies and social connections.
• Empowering hotel teams with ongoing sustainability education to ensure these values remain embedded in everyday operations.

This continued focus underscores the group's commitment to responsible travel and to delivering hospitality that benefits both people and the planet.

BWH Hotels Media Contact:  

Leanne Stocks

Regional Director of Commercial | BWH Hotels Australasia  

Leanne.stocks@bwh.com

 For more information on BWH Hotels: joinbwhhotels.com.au 

About BWH Hotels: 

BWH Hotels is a leading global hospitality network comprised of three hotel brands, including WorldHotels, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels. The global network boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*. With 19 brands globally across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotels suits the needs of developers and guests in every market.   

* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.  

For more information, visit www.worldhotels.com, www.bestwestern.com and www.surestay.com.