Novotel's Ocean Commitment: A Year of Sustainable Change
May 23, 2025, 11:11 am
In a world where the ocean's health hangs by a thread, Novotel has stepped up. The hotel chain recently celebrated a year of partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). This collaboration is not just a marketing ploy; it’s a lifeline for our oceans. As World Ocean Day approaches, Novotel is making waves with its new initiatives aimed at sustainability and ocean preservation.
The partnership began with a bold vision. Novotel aims to protect marine life while serving delicious, sustainable food. This commitment is encapsulated in two new policies: the Sustainable Seafood Principles and a Plant-Forward food ambition. These initiatives are not mere words; they are actionable steps toward a healthier planet.
The Sustainable Seafood Principles are a game changer. They ban 350 species of endangered seafood and promote responsible fishing practices. By 2027, Novotel plans to serve only Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified wild-caught fish or responsibly sourced local seafood. This is a significant shift in the hospitality industry, where overfishing and unsustainable practices have long been the norm.
But Novotel isn’t stopping there. The Plant-Forward ambition aims for at least 25% of menu items to be plant-based by 2026. Currently, 39% of Novotel hotels have already achieved this target. This initiative not only reduces the carbon footprint but also caters to the growing demand for healthier dining options. It’s a win-win for both the environment and guests.
Education plays a crucial role in Novotel’s strategy. The hotel chain welcomes over two million families each year. This summer, they are introducing two new educational games designed in collaboration with WWF. "Guardians of the Mediterranean" and "Sea Turtle" aim to inspire children to become ocean ambassadors. By engaging young minds, Novotel is planting the seeds of awareness and empathy for marine conservation.
The first year of this partnership has seen significant progress. Novotel has taken steps to reduce its environmental impact. Single-use plastics are being phased out, and refillable dispensers are being installed in hotels. Innovative solutions are being implemented to minimize food waste. These actions align with Accor’s broader mission of positive hospitality.
Moreover, Novotel has launched a Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) in collaboration with WWF. This initiative focuses on improving fishing practices in regions like Kerala, India. The goal is to create a sustainable seafood supply chain that benefits both the environment and local communities.
Traceability is another key focus. Novotel is working with Seafood Souq to ensure that all seafood suppliers meet strict traceability standards. This is crucial in an industry where transparency is often lacking. By collaborating with suppliers, Novotel is setting a new standard for responsible sourcing.
Novotel’s commitment extends beyond its hotels. The company is actively contributing to essential conservation projects worldwide. For instance, they are supporting the protection of Posidonia in the Mediterranean, a vital seagrass that sequesters carbon. They are also tackling the issue of "ghost gear," abandoned fishing equipment that poses a significant threat to marine life.
The partnership with WWF is not just about immediate actions; it’s about long-term change. Novotel is committed to raising awareness about the ocean's importance. They are rolling out global Ocean Awareness Training for all hotel teams, ensuring that every employee understands their role in ocean conservation.
Looking ahead, Novotel has ambitious plans. They will continue to collaborate with industry leaders at the UN Ocean Conference to drive meaningful change. New training programs focused on sustainable seafood and ocean awareness will launch in the summer of 2025. These initiatives aim to deepen the hotel chain's commitment to ocean preservation.
Novotel’s journey is a testament to the power of collaboration. By partnering with WWF, they are not only enhancing their brand but also contributing to a larger mission. The ocean is our planet's lifeblood, and protecting it is essential for our future. Novotel understands this and is taking steps to ensure that their operations align with the health of our oceans.
In a world where environmental issues often feel overwhelming, Novotel’s initiatives offer a glimmer of hope. They are not just talking the talk; they are walking the walk. Each hotel is a beacon of sustainability, demonstrating that the hospitality industry can lead the way in ocean conservation.
As we approach World Ocean Day, Novotel’s commitment serves as a reminder that every choice matters. From the food we eat to the way we source it, our actions have consequences. Novotel is making it easier for guests to make positive choices that benefit the planet.
In conclusion, Novotel’s first year of partnership with WWF marks a significant step toward a sustainable future. Their initiatives are paving the way for a healthier ocean and a more responsible hospitality industry. As they continue to innovate and inspire, Novotel is proving that change is possible—one hotel, one meal, and one guest at a time. The ocean's health is in our hands, and Novotel is leading the charge.
The partnership began with a bold vision. Novotel aims to protect marine life while serving delicious, sustainable food. This commitment is encapsulated in two new policies: the Sustainable Seafood Principles and a Plant-Forward food ambition. These initiatives are not mere words; they are actionable steps toward a healthier planet.
The Sustainable Seafood Principles are a game changer. They ban 350 species of endangered seafood and promote responsible fishing practices. By 2027, Novotel plans to serve only Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified wild-caught fish or responsibly sourced local seafood. This is a significant shift in the hospitality industry, where overfishing and unsustainable practices have long been the norm.
But Novotel isn’t stopping there. The Plant-Forward ambition aims for at least 25% of menu items to be plant-based by 2026. Currently, 39% of Novotel hotels have already achieved this target. This initiative not only reduces the carbon footprint but also caters to the growing demand for healthier dining options. It’s a win-win for both the environment and guests.
Education plays a crucial role in Novotel’s strategy. The hotel chain welcomes over two million families each year. This summer, they are introducing two new educational games designed in collaboration with WWF. "Guardians of the Mediterranean" and "Sea Turtle" aim to inspire children to become ocean ambassadors. By engaging young minds, Novotel is planting the seeds of awareness and empathy for marine conservation.
The first year of this partnership has seen significant progress. Novotel has taken steps to reduce its environmental impact. Single-use plastics are being phased out, and refillable dispensers are being installed in hotels. Innovative solutions are being implemented to minimize food waste. These actions align with Accor’s broader mission of positive hospitality.
Moreover, Novotel has launched a Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) in collaboration with WWF. This initiative focuses on improving fishing practices in regions like Kerala, India. The goal is to create a sustainable seafood supply chain that benefits both the environment and local communities.
Traceability is another key focus. Novotel is working with Seafood Souq to ensure that all seafood suppliers meet strict traceability standards. This is crucial in an industry where transparency is often lacking. By collaborating with suppliers, Novotel is setting a new standard for responsible sourcing.
Novotel’s commitment extends beyond its hotels. The company is actively contributing to essential conservation projects worldwide. For instance, they are supporting the protection of Posidonia in the Mediterranean, a vital seagrass that sequesters carbon. They are also tackling the issue of "ghost gear," abandoned fishing equipment that poses a significant threat to marine life.
The partnership with WWF is not just about immediate actions; it’s about long-term change. Novotel is committed to raising awareness about the ocean's importance. They are rolling out global Ocean Awareness Training for all hotel teams, ensuring that every employee understands their role in ocean conservation.
Looking ahead, Novotel has ambitious plans. They will continue to collaborate with industry leaders at the UN Ocean Conference to drive meaningful change. New training programs focused on sustainable seafood and ocean awareness will launch in the summer of 2025. These initiatives aim to deepen the hotel chain's commitment to ocean preservation.
Novotel’s journey is a testament to the power of collaboration. By partnering with WWF, they are not only enhancing their brand but also contributing to a larger mission. The ocean is our planet's lifeblood, and protecting it is essential for our future. Novotel understands this and is taking steps to ensure that their operations align with the health of our oceans.
In a world where environmental issues often feel overwhelming, Novotel’s initiatives offer a glimmer of hope. They are not just talking the talk; they are walking the walk. Each hotel is a beacon of sustainability, demonstrating that the hospitality industry can lead the way in ocean conservation.
As we approach World Ocean Day, Novotel’s commitment serves as a reminder that every choice matters. From the food we eat to the way we source it, our actions have consequences. Novotel is making it easier for guests to make positive choices that benefit the planet.
In conclusion, Novotel’s first year of partnership with WWF marks a significant step toward a sustainable future. Their initiatives are paving the way for a healthier ocean and a more responsible hospitality industry. As they continue to innovate and inspire, Novotel is proving that change is possible—one hotel, one meal, and one guest at a time. The ocean's health is in our hands, and Novotel is leading the charge.