The Task Force will focus on creating new business models, reducing emissions, and investing in people to support a sustainable hospitality and tourism sector and communities.

Launched today at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal, the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) is proud to announce the formation of its Hospitality and Tourism Task Force. The Task Force shall comprise of CEOs from across the hospitality and tourism industry, under the leadership of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and the Considerate Group. It will combine the expertise of hospitality associations, sustainability partners and inter-governmental development organisations.

The Task Force is aligned with the Terra Carta which provides a roadmap for the private sector to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future. One that harnesses the power of Nature combined with the transformative power, innovation and resources of the private sector.

The SMI Hospitality and Tourism Task Force, which is co-chaired by the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s Chief Executive Officer, Glenn Mandziuk, and the Considerate Group’s Co-founding Partner, Xenia zu Hohenlohe, is creating leadership and collaboration in the hospitality and tourism industry, in the pursuit of tangible, scalable and practical sustainable solutions.

Glenn Mandziuk, CEO, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, said:

“The Sustainable Markets Initiative enables us to look beyond our industry and be part of a co-ordinated private sector effort to accelerate the drive towards lasting, sustainable business practices. The hospitality industry has wide-reaching value and supply chains, encompassing finance, transport, energy, agriculture and construction among many others, generating enormous potential for cross-sector influence and collaboration. The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance was founded 30 years ago inspired by His Majesty King Charles III, in his former role as The Prince of Wales. We are delighted to be part of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, continuing to work together for a better world.”

Xenia zu Hohenlohe, Co-founding Partner, Considerate Group, said:

“The SMI Hospitality and Tourism Task Force can create unique and innovative solutions, and engage in cross-sector collaborations to drive change at an unprecedented speed. We are extremely excited to be part of this inspirational initiative. By signing the Terra Carta, we recognise the important role the Hospitality and Tourism sector plays in building a path to a more sustainable future, for Nature, People and Planet.”

A complete list of the members of the Task Force will be formally launched at the ITB in Berlin in March 2023.