Mandarin Oriental, New York Becomes First Hotel in North America to Achieve GSTC Certification
New York, September 16, 2024 – UCSL United Certification Systems Limited is proud to announce that Mandarin Oriental, New York has achieved the esteemed Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Certification, becoming the hotel in North America to meet the stringent GSTC Industry Criteria and certified by GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.
“We congratulate Mandarin Oriental New York on achieving accredited certification, the highest level of assurance of credible validation of hotel sustainability claims. Certified as a sustainable hotel, we hope Mandarin Oriental will inspire others in the region to prioritize sustainability, ” says Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC.
The GSTC Criteria represent the global gold standard for sustainability in travel and tourism, offering the highest level of assurance and credibility. This GSTC Certification, awarded following a thorough assessment and audit by UCSL, validates the hotel’s alignment with the rigorous environmental, social, and economic sustainability requirements of the GSTC Criteria. This achievement solidifies Mandarin Oriental, New York’s position as a leader in responsible luxury and sets a new benchmark for sustainable practices across North America.
“Achieving GSTC certification is an acknowledgment of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s dedication to sustainability and responsible tourism practices,” says Marcel Thoma, Mandarin Oriental, New York General Manager and Area Vice President, Operations. “Together with Mandarin Oriental, New York’s sustainability committee who worked diligently towards this certification, we are deeply honored and humbled to be the first hotel in North America to receive the esteemed distinction. It reflects our steadfast commitment to being responsible stewards of our environment and community, while continuing to offer unparalleled luxury to our guests. We are also grateful to UCSL for their professionalism and expertise throughout the certification process.”
Mandarin Oriental, New York’s sustainability initiatives are embedded into its daily operations, reflecting the broader sustainability objectives of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, known for upholding the highest standards of excellence. Gaining GSTC-Committed status earlier this year, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group recognizes the value of implementing the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Criteria as global standards for sustainable tourism and hospitality across their geographic scope of operations internally and with their suppliers and stakeholders.
Olga Shuvalova, CEO of UCSL, says: "It is an honor to partner with Mandarin Oriental, New York on their sustainability journey. Their dedication to sustainability is a deeply ingrained principle that drives every operational decision while enhancing the exceptional guest experience. As the first hotel in North America to achieve GSTC Certification, they are leading by example and are setting new standards for responsible luxury in the region. We are proud to support such a dedicated team in achieving this important milestone."
“We congratulate Mandarin Oriental New York on achieving accredited certification, the highest level of assurance of credible validation of hotel sustainability claims. Certified as a sustainable hotel, we hope Mandarin Oriental will inspire others in the region to prioritize sustainability, ” says Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC.
The GSTC Criteria represent the global gold standard for sustainability in travel and tourism, offering the highest level of assurance and credibility. This GSTC Certification, awarded following a thorough assessment and audit by UCSL, validates the hotel’s alignment with the rigorous environmental, social, and economic sustainability requirements of the GSTC Criteria. This achievement solidifies Mandarin Oriental, New York’s position as a leader in responsible luxury and sets a new benchmark for sustainable practices across North America.
“Achieving GSTC certification is an acknowledgment of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s dedication to sustainability and responsible tourism practices,” says Marcel Thoma, Mandarin Oriental, New York General Manager and Area Vice President, Operations. “Together with Mandarin Oriental, New York’s sustainability committee who worked diligently towards this certification, we are deeply honored and humbled to be the first hotel in North America to receive the esteemed distinction. It reflects our steadfast commitment to being responsible stewards of our environment and community, while continuing to offer unparalleled luxury to our guests. We are also grateful to UCSL for their professionalism and expertise throughout the certification process.”
Mandarin Oriental, New York’s sustainability initiatives are embedded into its daily operations, reflecting the broader sustainability objectives of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, known for upholding the highest standards of excellence. Gaining GSTC-Committed status earlier this year, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group recognizes the value of implementing the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Criteria as global standards for sustainable tourism and hospitality across their geographic scope of operations internally and with their suppliers and stakeholders.
Olga Shuvalova, CEO of UCSL, says: "It is an honor to partner with Mandarin Oriental, New York on their sustainability journey. Their dedication to sustainability is a deeply ingrained principle that drives every operational decision while enhancing the exceptional guest experience. As the first hotel in North America to achieve GSTC Certification, they are leading by example and are setting new standards for responsible luxury in the region. We are proud to support such a dedicated team in achieving this important milestone."
About Mandarin Oriental, New York
A stunning fusion of modern design with stylish oriental flair, Mandarin Oriental, New York features 244 elegant guestrooms and suites with breathtaking views of Central Park, the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline. Luxurious amenities include all-day dining MO Lounge, an award-winning Spa and Wellness facility with a 75-foot indoor pool, and premium event spaces overlooking the iconic Central Park. Located in Columbus Circle’s Deutsche Bank Center, Mandarin Oriental, New York is in an idyllic location by world-class dining, shopping and entertainment, including the Broadway Theater District, Lincoln Center, and The Shops at Columbus Circle’s collection of luxury retail stores and renowned restaurants.
About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Recognised for creating exceptional properties, each destination reflects the Group’s oriental heritage, local culture and unique design. The Group’s mission is to completely delight and inspire guests through delivering passionate service. Having grown from its Asian roots over 60 years ago into a global brand, the Group now operates 41 hotels, 12 residences and 24 exclusive homes in 26 countries and territories with many more projects under development. Mandarin Oriental continues to drive its reputation as an innovative leader in luxury hospitality, delivering sustainable growth over the long term.
About UCSL United Certification Systems Limited
United Certification Systems Limited (UCSL) is an independent certification body, headquartered in the EU and operating worldwide. Proud to be one of the first GSTC-Accredited certification bodies, we provide certification services that align with the highest standards in luxury hospitality, bringing unparalleled expertise to the forefront. Driven by a deep passion for sustainability, we transcend the traditional role of a certification body, emerging as pioneers in research and education, spearheading positive change within the tourism industry.
18/09/2024