Minor Hotels, a leading global hotel owner and operator, has achieved a new milestone in its vision for sustainable hospitality, with 20 of its properties earning the prestigious Green Growth 2050 Platinum Certification. The achievement underscores Minor’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility across its global operations, which span 56 countries.
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort in Thailand became the 20th property operated by Minor to achieve the Platinum certification, scoring 90% or more across a rigorous assessment of environmental, social, and cultural measures set by the Green Growth 2050 Global Standard.
It joins 19 other Anantara, Avani and NH Collection properties operated by Minor to earn the top-tier certification, including several others in Thailand, as well as Maldives and UAE.
With an extensive evaluation encompassing over 450 sustainability indicators, Green Growth 2050 represents one of the travel industry’s most thorough frameworks for measuring sustainability. Minor Hotels has set Gold certification or above as a minimum requirement for all Anantara and Avani hotels.
John Roberts, Group Director of Sustainability & Conservation for Minor Hotels, said: “This milestone is more than just a number; it’s a symbol of the journey we’ve embarked on towards sustainability and the positive impact we’re striving to make on the planet and its people. Achieving our 20th Green Growth 2050 Platinum Certification showcases our commitment to not only meet but exceed the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility. We are proud of this achievement and remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable tourism.”
Developed in alignment with international benchmarks — encompassing the key statutes of the UN Global Compact, UNEP Green Economy Principles, UN Declaration of Human Rights, ILO Labour Standards, and UNWTO Ethics in Tourism — the Green Growth 2050 Platinum certification reflects the comprehensive approach taken by Minor Hotels to ensure its properties foster positive impacts on their surroundings and communities.
Anantara Chiang Mai Leads Way in Responsible Tourism
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort achieved the top-tier certification after excelling in areas ranging from sustainable design and construction to operations and resource conservation. The resort’s innovative tropical architectural design by Kerry Hill maximises natural ventilation and shade, significantly reducing energy consumption.
Efforts towards the elimination of single-use plastics, the implementation of a comprehensive waste management system, and the recycling of greywater for irrigation further exemplify the property’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Another key area Green Growth 2050 measures is social and community impact. Anantara Chiang Mai Resort has made notable contributions to social and community development by creating local employment opportunities, as well as by supporting Chiang Mai’s artisans and farmers.
Pitak Norathepkitti, General Manager of Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, commented: “Minor Hotels places the utmost importance on working in harmony in the communities we operate in. At Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, we are dedicated to our presence being a positive, and to preserving all that is uniquely charming about this destination for future generations.
“We constantly implement the latest energy-saving technologies as they arise, and partner with local suppliers to minimise our carbon footprint. With this Green Growth 2050 Platinum recognition, our guests can now take comfort in the fact that they are engaging in the highest level of responsible tourism when they stay with us.”
Minor Hotels has also committed to becoming a net-zero organisation by 2050 and set intermediate goals of reducing energy and water intensities and carbon dioxide emissions.
