Argentina: Huge increase in the number of “Greener Hotels”

Argentina now has 176 tourist accommodations in 60 destinations that hold the “Greenest Hotels” seal awarded by the Association of Tourism Hotels (AHT). This voluntary certification has already established itself as a differentiator for Argentine hotels that work in a sustainable way and was designed following the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, established by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

Some of the areas evaluated when granting these certifications include environmental issues such as water and energy efficiency or waste management. Also the sustainable development of the destination, through dialogue with the community or the support of local entrepreneurs or local development initiatives. Conservation and improvement of the environment thanks to the care of the destination’s cultural heritage and protection of diversity. It also considers other issues such as accessibility and diversity, fair trade or prevention of risks and emergencies.

“Argentina is a leader in Latin America. It is the country with the most certifications in the region,” explained Gabriela Ferrucci, president of AHT, and highlighted that the environmental management of the establishments is helping to position several local destinations such as Iguazú, where there are 14 certified hotels.

The program is applicable to all types of accommodation, even those not included in AHT. It is also chosen by Hotel chains such as Accor, NH and Marriot, which adopt this certification as their own policy, as reported by REPORTUR.com (NH advances in sustainability in Chile with electric car charging)