Sustainability tracking platform Tuu launches Asian Eco Stay Awards

August 28, 2024

Sustainability tracking platform Tuu has launched the Eco Stay Awards 2025 - a dedicated and data-backed sustainability recognition for hotels in Asia. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on 28th March 2025 in Phuket, Thailand.

With the forthcoming EU Green Claims Directive mandating environmental claims' reliability, comparability, and verifiability, the Awards offer hotels in Asia a golden opportunity to align with these emerging regulatory standards.

Tuu Eco Stay Awards 2025 are designed to celebrate genuine eco-achievements in the hospitality industry, standing strong against greenwashing through rigorous data submission, auditing, and expert judging.

Tuu founder Terry Blackburn notes “we aim to foster a collaborative environment among hotels, encourage environmental responsibility, share best practices, and help combat greenwashing.”

“Every marketing claim must eventually be backed by data. Our initiative aims to give a voice to those who genuinely deserve it and are making significant eco-progress in key areas such as energy and food waste reduction.”

Hotels already tracking their sustainability performance with certifications like Green Key, Green View, ISO, or Earth Check are encouraged to enter. This allows them to maximise the value of their existing sustainability data and amplify their marketing through compelling, data-backed storytelling.

In addition to appealing to eco-savvy travellers, the Awards are geared towards helping hotels stand out among c-suite executives who consider a property’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) credentials when planning MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) activities. According to Farer & Co, 71% of c-suite execs consider ESG when planning their MICE activities.

The data submission process, guided by leading industry benchmarks, ensures hotels meet stringent sustainable standards. After review and verification by the Awards auditing partner HLB, properties are rated in three tiers based on a score out of 100.

White Bamboo (41-60)
Green Bamboo (61-80)
Gold Bamboo (81-100)

Paul Ashburn, Partner at HLB Thailand shared "the data must be supported by proof and is subject to our audit before a rating is assigned. This process promotes transparency and accountability, ensuring that only truly sustainable hotels are recognised."

HLB International, a top-10 global network of independent advisory and accounting firms, will perform random data checks, verify ratings, recheck borderline entries, supervise judges' meetings, and conduct full onsite audits on request.

30 sustainability awards across four categories

Hotels achieving at least a White Bamboo rating will also qualify to enter 30 Special Recognition Awards across four categories – Sustainability Planning, Local Community, Cultural Heritage, and Environmental Impact – that are judged by an independent panel of experts. This panel ensures that each award reflects outstanding sustainability achievements, focusing on measurable impact and innovation.

Winning an award provides significant marketing benefits, including:

Awards logo usage rights for one year
Press coverage
Social media promotion
Feature articles and case studies in Tuu’s whitepapers
Premium listing in Tuu’s winner’s directory

Additionally, the Tuu Foundation supports sustainability education in schools worldwide, aiming to nurture tomorrow’s green leaders through comprehensive programmes and community engagement. Winning hotels have the chance to nominate local schools to receive Tuu Foundation sustainability education courses and teacher resource packs.

The success of the Awards is supported by industry partners committed to sustainability in hospitality. This year's Official Sponsors include ecoSPIRITS, Lumitics, and Bizsu. Official Partners are the Phuket Hotels Association, C9 Hotelworks, Tajara Hospitality, CarbonClick, SKÅL International Koh Samui and Delivering Asia.

Summary of Eco Stay Awards
Aligned with leading sustainability criteria for hotels, properties entering the Eco Stay Awards must submit data to meet Energy, Waste Management, Food Management, and Employment benchmarks via Tuu’s bespoke entry dashboard. Entry data is verified by international audit firm HLB and qualifying hotels can enter 30 Special Recognition Awards across four categories – Sustainability Planning, Local Community, Cultural Heritage, and Environmental Impact – that are judged by an independent panel of industry experts.

For more information visit tuuawards.eco. Interested in becoming part of the Eco Stay Awards 2025? Email kanitta@tuu.eco for sponsorship opportunities and liam@tuu.eco to enter your hotel.

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