In a significant stride towards sustainable tourism, Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) has distinguished itself as the first Singaporean hospitality company to secure the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Industry Criteria for Hotels certification for all of its eight properties in Singapore. This prestigious recognition not only underscores PPHG’s unwavering commitment to sustainability but also cements its leadership in the realm of eco-conscious hospitality, boasting the most extensive collection of GSTC-certified accommodations within the city-state.
The GSTC Criteria sets the global benchmark for sustainable travel and tourism, advocating for practices that ensure long-term sustainability spanning four critical dimensions: strategic sustainability planning, socio-economic and cultural benefits for local communities, preservation of cultural heritage, and minimisation of environmental footprints.
In an official announcement made in February 2024, PPHG revealed its achievement of the GSTC Multi-Site certification, a testament to its holistic approach to integrating sustainable practices across its operations. This commendation is complemented by the ISO14001 certification for environmental management systems, already held by seven of its properties, with Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore on the cusp of joining this eco-prestigious ensemble.
PPHG’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Choe Peng Sum, expressed his pride in this accomplishment, attributing it to the collective effort of the team and aligning with the broader environmental objectives outlined in Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 and the Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) Hotel Sustainability Roadmap. This roadmap targets achieving internationally-recognised sustainability certification for 60% of Singapore’s hotel room stock by 2025, a goal to which PPHG’s recent certification significantly contributes.
“Attaining the GSTC certification reaffirms PPHG’s commitment to sustainability and responsible business conduct. At PPHG, sustainability is imperative and I am grateful for our teams’ immense efforts to attain the GSTC Multi-Site certification. This achievement is aligned with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 and the SingaporeTourism Board’s (STB) Hotel Sustainability Roadmap – which aims for 60% of hotel room stock in Singapore to attain internationally-recognised sustainability certification by 2025.”
Mr. Choe Peng Sum – CEO,Pacific Hotels Group
The PARKROYAL COLLECTION brand epitomises PPHG’s sustainability ethos, blending green architectural design with local cultural engagements and community initiatives to foster a balanced growth model that respects both the environment and social values. This approach not only elevates the guest experience but also propels PPHG to the forefront of the movement for more responsible travel.
Commendations for PPHG’s milestone came from industry leaders, including Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC, who lauded the company’s transparent and rigorous certification process. Similarly, Ms. Ong Huey Hong, Assistant Chief Executive at STB, celebrated PPHG’s leadership in sustainable hospitality, expressing optimism that this achievement will inspire other hotels to pursue sustainability certifications, thus accelerating the industry’s collective progress towards the ambitions laid out in the Hotel Sustainability Roadmap.
Pan Pacific Hotels Group’s pioneering achievement in attaining GSTC Multi-Site certification marks a momentous step forward in the journey towards sustainable tourism, setting a benchmark for the industry and contributing significantly to Singapore’s environmental and socio-cultural sustainability goals.
