The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (SHA) Summit, took place on the 17th and 18th of October 2023, at the London Heathrow Marriott Hotel. The Summit, themed “Mainstreaming Net Positive Hospitality,” aimed to foster dialogue and collaborative efforts among leading global organizations in the tourism and hospitality industry to advance sustainability practices. The event included leaders from SHA’s donor membership and formal SHA partners from around the world.
Randy Durband, GSTC CEO, was invited to speak at the panel “Showcasing Change Agents: Advancing Sustainable Practice and Innovation”, which took place on October 17th, at 10:30h. Mr. Durband debated along with:
- Julia Simpson, President & CEO – World Travel & Tourism Council
- Suzanne Neufang, CEO – Global Business Travel Association
- Glenn Mandziuk, CEO – Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
The panel was moderated by Patrick O’Meara, Head of Partnerships & Business Development, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.
“We need universal measurement tools and we need greater understanding of verification systems. The word ‘certification’ is used entirely too loosely. Words are important. The reason I like the word pathway is because a holistic approach to sustainability is very very difficult, so businesses need to set targets and to prioritise and take progress in stages,” said Randy Durband, GSTC CEO.
At the beginning of this year, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and GSTC partnered to consolidate best practice in sustainable hospitality and tourism. Together, SHA and the GSTC share a vision of hospitality and tourism companies working to, not only meet, but exceed core sustainability criteria.
