Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech Becomes
Morocco’s First GSTC-Certified Resort
Morocco’s First GSTC-Certified Resort
UCSL United Certification Systems Limited is proud to announce that Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech has officially achieved Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Certification, becoming the first hotel in Morocco to meet the world’s highest standard for sustainable travel and hospitality.
Awarded following a rigorous on-site assessment conducted by UCSL, a GSTC-Accredited certification body, the certification recognizes the resort’s strong performance across all four pillars of the GSTC Hotel Standard: effective sustainable management, social and economic benefits for the local community, protection of cultural heritage, and environmental responsibility.
Awarded following a rigorous on-site assessment conducted by UCSL, a GSTC-Accredited certification body, the certification recognizes the resort’s strong performance across all four pillars of the GSTC Hotel Standard: effective sustainable management, social and economic benefits for the local community, protection of cultural heritage, and environmental responsibility.
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“At Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech, sustainability is embedded into how we operate every day. ‘Acting with Responsibility’ is one of our core values and guides how we treat our environment, our community, and our colleagues. Achieving GSTC Certification and becoming the first hotel in Morocco to receive this recognition is a proud moment for our team. We thank UCSL for the expertise and integrity they brought to the certification process.”
A contemporary, fragrant oasis with majestic views of the Atlas Mountains and located just minutes from the Medina and Marrakech’s key landmarks, Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech has long been celebrated for its refined guest experience, intuitive service, and a deeply cultivated sense of place. Set within 20 hectares of fragrant gardens and centuries-old olive groves, the resort approaches sustainability not as an add-on, but as an integral expression of how modern luxury should feel today.
Biodiversity protection plays a visible role throughout the grounds. Dedicated insect hotels provide shelter for pollinators and beneficial species, while the carefully maintained apiary supports local bee populations and contributes to overall ecosystem health. These initiatives not only protect the surrounding environment but also enrich the gardens that define the resort’s character, reinforcing a circular relationship between conservation and hospitality.
Biodiversity protection plays a visible role throughout the grounds. Dedicated insect hotels provide shelter for pollinators and beneficial species, while the carefully maintained apiary supports local bee populations and contributes to overall ecosystem health. These initiatives not only protect the surrounding environment but also enrich the gardens that define the resort’s character, reinforcing a circular relationship between conservation and hospitality.
This connection to the land extends directly to the culinary experience. Seasonal vegetables harvested from the resort’s own organic garden are served across restaurants whenever available. The harvest from the estate’s olive trees is transformed into a limited-edition olive oil, while pure honey from the garden blossoms offers guests a true taste of place. By prioritizing homegrown and locally sourced ingredients, the team reduces food miles, minimizes waste, and celebrates regional flavors.
Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech showcases a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. Structured waste segregation and strengthened recycling streams are implemented across departments, ensuring that materials are managed responsibly and efficiently. Organic waste is processed through an on-site composting machine, significantly reducing landfill volumes while creating compost that can be returned to the landscape. These measures are supported by clear procedures, staff training, and continuous monitoring, enabling the resort to track performance and drive ongoing improvements.
Sustainability at the resort also means investing in people and community. Team members participate in volunteer initiatives that support local needs, including blood donation drives for Marrakech’s main hospital and in-kind donations to the Radia Association for abandoned babies. Creative fundraising efforts, such as transforming the Kids’ Club mascot Itto the Goat into a plush toy with proceeds supporting Education for All, demonstrate how even small, thoughtful actions can generate lasting social impact. These programs strengthen the relationship between the resort and the city it calls home, ensuring that tourism contributes positively beyond its walls.
Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech showcases a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. Structured waste segregation and strengthened recycling streams are implemented across departments, ensuring that materials are managed responsibly and efficiently. Organic waste is processed through an on-site composting machine, significantly reducing landfill volumes while creating compost that can be returned to the landscape. These measures are supported by clear procedures, staff training, and continuous monitoring, enabling the resort to track performance and drive ongoing improvements.
Sustainability at the resort also means investing in people and community. Team members participate in volunteer initiatives that support local needs, including blood donation drives for Marrakech’s main hospital and in-kind donations to the Radia Association for abandoned babies. Creative fundraising efforts, such as transforming the Kids’ Club mascot Itto the Goat into a plush toy with proceeds supporting Education for All, demonstrate how even small, thoughtful actions can generate lasting social impact. These programs strengthen the relationship between the resort and the city it calls home, ensuring that tourism contributes positively beyond its walls.
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“The passion and dedication of Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech team are truly inspiring. Their commitment to excellence extends to guests, the environment, and the local community. Becoming the first GSTC-certified hotel in Morocco is a meaningful milestone, and we congratulate the entire team for setting a new standard for responsible luxury hospitality in the region.”
Throughout the audit, UCSL evaluated not only individual initiatives but also the systems that sustain them over time. Documented policies, defined responsibilities, staff engagement, and measurable targets ensure that sustainability is managed with the same rigor as any other aspect of operations. For guests, these efforts translate into a stay that feels exceptional. Gardens that nourish the kitchen, landscapes that support biodiversity, and a team that creates an experience rooted in care. For more information about the resort’s sustainability initiatives, please visit the dedicated page.
By achieving GSTC Certification, Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech joins a growing number of Mandarin Oriental properties worldwide that are advancing the Group’s leadership in responsible luxury. As the first hotel in Morocco to earn this distinction, the resort sets a new national benchmark and demonstrates how thoughtful management, environmental care, and meaningful community engagement are redefining modern luxury hospitality.
By achieving GSTC Certification, Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech joins a growing number of Mandarin Oriental properties worldwide that are advancing the Group’s leadership in responsible luxury. As the first hotel in Morocco to earn this distinction, the resort sets a new national benchmark and demonstrates how thoughtful management, environmental care, and meaningful community engagement are redefining modern luxury hospitality.
About Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech
Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech is set among 20 hectares of lush gardens scented with 100,000 roses, with the snow-capped Atlas Mountains as a stunning backdrop. Located just 10 minutes from the Medina, the hotel offers 58 private villas with gardens, pools, extensive areas for sunbathing and shaded alfresco dining areas. Seven spectacular suites feature rooftop plunge pools with panoramic views. The resort boasts exceptional restaurants, bars, and a world-class spa. The luxury experience is enhanced by the Group's unparalleled service, allied to the best traditions and hospitality of the Kingdom of Morocco.
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. Each outstanding property reflects the Group’s dual Asian heritage, while proudly distilling the Essence of the Destination, reflected in every hotel’s own fan - carefully crafted by local artisans. Driven by a passion for the exceptional, every day, everywhere, the Group’s mission is to craft time-enriching experiences that transform the ordinary to the exceptional and guests to fans through its legendary service. The Group now operates 45 hotels, 12 residences and 35 exceptional homes in 28 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 (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.
About GSTC Certification
GSTC Certification is the globally acknowledged mark of sustainable tourism, awarded to tourism businesses that meet the GSTC Standards, managed by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an international non-profit organization established through a strategic coalition including the United Nations Foundation, UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and UN Tourism. The term "GSTC Certification" specifically means certified by a Certification Body that is GSTC-Accredited, ensuring full alignment with the world’s highest standards for sustainable tourism.
Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech is set among 20 hectares of lush gardens scented with 100,000 roses, with the snow-capped Atlas Mountains as a stunning backdrop. Located just 10 minutes from the Medina, the hotel offers 58 private villas with gardens, pools, extensive areas for sunbathing and shaded alfresco dining areas. Seven spectacular suites feature rooftop plunge pools with panoramic views. The resort boasts exceptional restaurants, bars, and a world-class spa. The luxury experience is enhanced by the Group's unparalleled service, allied to the best traditions and hospitality of the Kingdom of Morocco.
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. Each outstanding property reflects the Group’s dual Asian heritage, while proudly distilling the Essence of the Destination, reflected in every hotel’s own fan - carefully crafted by local artisans. Driven by a passion for the exceptional, every day, everywhere, the Group’s mission is to craft time-enriching experiences that transform the ordinary to the exceptional and guests to fans through its legendary service. The Group now operates 45 hotels, 12 residences and 35 exceptional homes in 28 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 (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.
About GSTC Certification
GSTC Certification is the globally acknowledged mark of sustainable tourism, awarded to tourism businesses that meet the GSTC Standards, managed by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an international non-profit organization established through a strategic coalition including the United Nations Foundation, UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and UN Tourism. The term "GSTC Certification" specifically means certified by a Certification Body that is GSTC-Accredited, ensuring full alignment with the world’s highest standards for sustainable tourism.
February 11, 2026