CHINA: Hospitality management company Dossen has become the first Chinese wholly-owned group to join the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
Dossen International Group has more than 3,500 member hotels either operating or under development across 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China.
The group operates 15 brands including boutique offering Madame Belly, fashion brand Fenk, and its flagship business concept Joycheng. Dossen also has a strategic agreement with Marriott International to manage the Fairfield brand within China.
The group recently unveiled its sustainability strategy under the banner ‘Netzero Voyage’, and has committed to achieving net zero emissions before 2050.
It is collaborating with the China Hotel Association to develop new sustainable hotel certification criteria, with the aim of then aligning this with GSTC criteria.
The GSTC does not directly certify any products or services, but provides accreditation to those that do – for more information on the council and its aims, see our Focus On feature.
Dossen will carry out its first group carbon mapping exercise this year, as well publishing its inaugural sustainability report, and is focusing its sustainability efforts on three areas:
- Green Partnership – working with supply chain companies to “prioritise products and materials with low carbon emissions, environmental safety, and traceability”;
- Green Experience – delivering a low-carbon experience through initiatives including the introduction of energy-efficient lighting and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, as well the prioritisation of waste reduction and recycling efforts;
- Green Investment – Fostering a green culture within the organisation, including undertaking energy-saving renovations at the group’s Guangzhou headquarters.
Commenting on the news Xinhua Cheng, group chairman of Dossen said: “At Dossen Group, sustainability is not just a goal; it’s a fundamental principle guiding our operations.
“Joining GSTC underscores our unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism practices and reinforces our dedication to creating memorable experiences for our guests while preserving the environment and supporting local communities.
“Meanwhile, we endeavor to be the voice of China’s local hotel industry on the international stage, forging a path towards a green world shaped by global collaboration. Together with GSTC, we look forward to driving positive change and shaping the future of sustainable hospitality.”
The GSTC recently partnered with BCD Travel China and Colorful Earth to help China’s business travel sector manage its sustainable strategies.
The initiative is geared towards helping companies to measure and control potential environmental and social impacts linked to business travel, so that travel managers, companies and business travellers can make informed and responsible travel decisions.
Image of Shenzhen in China where Joy Cheng hotel recently opened in 2020. By Brenda Tong on Unsplash