Banyan Tree Group has joined the Unesco Sustainable Travel Pledge in a bid to “build back better” post-pandemic.

The group’s 48 properties will adhere to the responsible environmental and cultural practices established by the Unesco Pledge, which includes supporting the reduction and elimination of single-use plastics and promoting local economy and culture.

The Unesco Pledge was launched in 2019 by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Unesco and Expedia Group and promotes responsible practices such as environmental protection, community resilience and heritage conservation. More than 4,000 hotels have committed to the Unesco Pledge globally.

Participating hotels receive a ‘We signed the Unesco Sustainable Travel Pledge’ certificate, report on progress achieved and have to renew their commitment every year.

They also receive a badge on multiple travel booking sites across the Expedia Group marketplace for increased visibility.

Banyan Tree Group established its non-profit arm, Banyan Tree Global Foundation (BTGF), in 2009 to align the brand’s efforts to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

The hospitality company’s ‘Stay for Good’ programme focuses on three core areas of environment, community and responsibility and includes a target to reduce its resource consumption by 5% year-on-year. 

The group also recently awarded its ‘Greater Good Grants’ to eight external organisations for community and environment projects that contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“Banyan Tree Group, as part of our culture, is on a mission to amplify sustainability awareness and create impact by sharing our learnings and sustainability measures to help other hotels’ kick-start implementation,” said Steve Newman, assistant vice president, group sustainability director and coordinating director of Banyan Tree Global Foundation (BTGF). 

“As an industry, we have the ability and power to transform global inequity. As a company, we are committed to helping our partners and industry colleagues become even more planet-aware and friendly, as we ‘build back better’ post-pandemic.”

Jean-Philippe Monod, senior vice-president of government and corporate affairs at Expedia Group, added: “In light of the pandemic and the reductions we’ve seen in environmental impact during this time, more travellers - and travel companies - are seeking opportunities to be better stewards of the planet.

“Banyan Tree Group has, from its inception 27 years ago, been rooted in sustainability and is taking an exemplary role by being among the first hospitality brands to take The Unesco Pledge.”