Mandarin Oriental, Santiago Becomes the First GSTC-Certified Hotel in Chile
UCSL United Certification Systems Limited proudly announces that Mandarin Oriental, Santiago has officially achieved certification to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC®) Hotel Standard, becoming the first hotel in Chile to reach this level of independently verified sustainability performance. This achievement places the property among a select group of hotels globally that demonstrate real, evidence-based alignment with the world’s most trusted framework for sustainable tourism.
“At Mandarin Oriental, Santiago, we are committed to minimizing our environmental footprint and contributing positively to the community we serve. GSTC certification is a testament to the consistent work of our colleagues, whose dedication brings our sustainability values to life. We thank UCSL for their professionalism and for an assessment that provided valuable insights as we continue moving forward,” said Martin Cramer, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Santiago.
Located in a vibrant and diverse city of Santiago de Chile, with views of the majestic Andes Mountains, this beautiful property has developed an approach to sustainability that is structured and cohesive. The hotel applies well-defined policies across energy use, water efficiency, responsible procurement, waste reduction, and community engagement, supported by ongoing training and governance systems that ensure sustainability remains integrated into decision-making.
UCSL’s on-site audit confirmed that Mandarin Oriental, Santiago manages its environmental, social, and governance responsibilities with consistency and transparency, demonstrating the effective implementation of sustainability initiatives across the GSTC Hotel Standard. Verified practices include responsible resource management, ethical procurement, meaningful support for local communities, cultural respect, and a strong commitment to reducing environmental impact, reflecting the hotel’s alignment with the leading global sustainability standard.
Implemented practices include a long-term reduction of single-use plastics, supplier standards that prioritize certified products, an on-property apiary and a 290 m2 carbon-negative high-rise garden that contribute ingredients for culinary programs, improved waste segregation supported by monitoring technology, and recent investments in more efficient cooling systems designed to significantly reduce natural gas consumption.
Together, these efforts form the foundation for something larger: a guest experience that is modern, local, and consciously designed. Menus built around regionally sourced ingredients, honey harvested on-site, and wellness activities that celebrate Santiago’s surroundings show how sustainability becomes part of the hotel’s narrative. These are only a few examples of the initiatives underway. To explore Mandarin Oriental, Santiago’s broader sustainability journey, please visit the dedicated page.
Implemented practices include a long-term reduction of single-use plastics, supplier standards that prioritize certified products, an on-property apiary and a 290 m2 carbon-negative high-rise garden that contribute ingredients for culinary programs, improved waste segregation supported by monitoring technology, and recent investments in more efficient cooling systems designed to significantly reduce natural gas consumption.
Together, these efforts form the foundation for something larger: a guest experience that is modern, local, and consciously designed. Menus built around regionally sourced ingredients, honey harvested on-site, and wellness activities that celebrate Santiago’s surroundings show how sustainability becomes part of the hotel’s narrative. These are only a few examples of the initiatives underway. To explore Mandarin Oriental, Santiago’s broader sustainability journey, please visit the dedicated page.
“During the UCSL assessment, what stood out was not a single initiative, but a pattern of consistency. Congratulations to the Mandarin Oriental, Santiago team on achieving this accolade and on demonstrating, every day, how environmental responsibility, cultural connection, and ultimate luxury guest experiences can reinforce one another,” said Olga Shuvalova, CEO, UCSL.
By becoming GSTC-Certified, Mandarin Oriental, Santiago joins Mandarin Oriental properties worldwide that are strengthening the Group’s leadership in responsible luxury. This achievement sets a new reference point for Chile and reflects how thoughtful planning, responsible management, and a genuine respect for place shape the next chapter of high-end hospitality in the region.
About Mandarin Oriental, Santiago
Mandarin Oriental, Santiago is an urban oasis in the heart of the city located in one of the most influential areas, Las Condes, home to two luxury shopping malls, outstanding restaurants, museums and theatres. It is also close to the exclusive residential neighborhood of Vitacura. The building has 299 rooms, including 20 suites with breathtaking views of the city and the Andes Mountains. Its 25,000 square meters are home to an iconic outdoor lagoon style swimming pool and landscaped gardens, creating a resort-like atmosphere for guests. The hotel currently boasts, a Club Lounge two restaurants – Senso and Matsuri – and a renovated bar, along with extensive banqueting and event areas.
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. Renowned for creating outstanding properties, each destination reflects the Group’s dual Asian heritage, local culture and unique design. 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 27 exclusive homes in 27 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. The Group is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.
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 hotels, tour operators, and other businesses that meet the GSTC Standards – the world’s leading criteria for responsible travel. It confirms that a business has undergone a rigorous and impartial assessment by a certification body accredited 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.
Holding GSTC Certification demonstrates a business’s genuine commitment to sustainability through a process that is credible, transparent, and globally consistent. 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, Santiago is an urban oasis in the heart of the city located in one of the most influential areas, Las Condes, home to two luxury shopping malls, outstanding restaurants, museums and theatres. It is also close to the exclusive residential neighborhood of Vitacura. The building has 299 rooms, including 20 suites with breathtaking views of the city and the Andes Mountains. Its 25,000 square meters are home to an iconic outdoor lagoon style swimming pool and landscaped gardens, creating a resort-like atmosphere for guests. The hotel currently boasts, a Club Lounge two restaurants – Senso and Matsuri – and a renovated bar, along with extensive banqueting and event areas.
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. Renowned for creating outstanding properties, each destination reflects the Group’s dual Asian heritage, local culture and unique design. 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 27 exclusive homes in 27 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. The Group is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.
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 hotels, tour operators, and other businesses that meet the GSTC Standards – the world’s leading criteria for responsible travel. It confirms that a business has undergone a rigorous and impartial assessment by a certification body accredited 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.
Holding GSTC Certification demonstrates a business’s genuine commitment to sustainability through a process that is credible, transparent, and globally consistent. 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.
December 3, 2025