ISO 21401

ISO 21401 is officially titled:

“Tourism and related services — Sustainability management system for accommodation establishments — Requirements”

This standard specifies the sustainability management system (SMS) requirements for any type of accommodation establishment, including hotels, hostels, eco-lodges, resorts, and guesthouses. It addresses three core dimensions of sustainability:

1. Environmental Responsibility (e.g., water and energy use, waste management)
2. Social Responsibility (e.g., fair labor practices, community engagement)
3. Economic Viability (e.g., local sourcing, fair pricing, long-term profitability)

It also provides a framework to:

1. Identify and assess environmental and social impacts
2. Define sustainability objectives and performance indicators
3. Involve stakeholders, including employees, local communities, and guests
4. Demonstrate commitment to sustainable tourism practices

ISO 21401 enables accommodation establishments to operate more responsibly and efficiently:

1. ✅ Reduce Environmental Impact

          Improve energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.

1. 🤝 Promote Social Equity

          Ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and support for local communities.

1. 📊 Enable Measurable Sustainability Performance

          Use KPIs to track and improve environmental, social, and operational performance.

1. 🌍 Boost Reputation and Guest Satisfaction

           Attract environmentally and socially conscious travelers.

1. 🔁 Support Compliance and ESG Reporting

          Aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ESG metrics, and national tourism policies.