Hotels (Commonwealth Union) _ Agoda, in collaboration with the Government of Goa and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), organized a Hotel Sustainability Training from November 28 to 29, 2023, at Park Regis, Goa. This two-day program aimed to equip local hoteliers with the skills and tools necessary to enhance their sustainability practices. Industry experts led sessions, providing real-world insights, exemplary sustainability practices, and actual hotel case studies. The initiative reflects a proactive approach in fostering sustainability within the hospitality sector, aligning with global efforts to promote eco-friendly and responsible practices in the industry.
Using the GSTC Industry Criteria for hotels as a checklist—a globally recognized standard for sustainability in travel and tourism—participants assessed their current performance and established achievable short-, medium-, and long-term sustainability objectives. The training fostered responsible connections between people and destinations, contributing to the collective vision of a more sustainable future in the hospitality industry.
Krishna Rathi, Agoda Country Director for India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives, emphasized the significance of the initiative and the partnership with the Government of Goa and the GSTC. He highlighted Agoda’s commitment to accelerating the evolution of sustainability practices, recognizing its crucial role in the hospitality sector’s sustainable future. This emphasis on sustainability aligns with broader industry trends and reflects Agoda’s dedication to playing a positive role in shaping the future of responsible tourism and hospitality.
During the opening ceremony, Mr. Suneel Anchipaka, Director of Tourism (Goa), commended the initiative, aligning seamlessly with the government’s focus on sustainable tourism. By providing hotel professionals with knowledge and skills for adopting sustainability practices, the program aimed to contribute to a more responsible and resilient tourism industry in Goa. Hoteliers from various establishments, including Accor, Kenilworth Resort & Spa, Park Regis Goa, and Radisson Goa Candolim, participated in the inaugural edition of the Hotel Sustainability Training in Goa, with over forty attendees in total.
