The Apurva Kempinski Bali Sets a New Benchmark with GSTC Certification

In a significant stride towards sustainable growth, The Apurva Kempinski Bali has become the first hotel in Indonesia to achieve the prestigious Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification. This milestone underscores the resort’s unwavering commitment to sustainability across all facets of its operations.

The GSTC, a globally recognised independent organisation, champions best practices in sustainable tourism by setting rigorous standards for the travel and tourism sectors. The certification highlights the resort’s dedication to the four pillars of sustainable tourism: sustainable management, social impact, cultural and community preservation, and environmental stewardship.

Sustainability is central to The Apurva Kempinski Bali’s strategy, aligning with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. The GSTC certification is a testament to the resort’s efforts to measure, enhance and communicate its sustainable practices. The certification process, conducted by the GSTC-appointed body Control Union, assessed the resort on several key criteria.

The resort has integrated sustainable principles into every aspect of its operations. This is achieved through comprehensive policies and procedures that promote ethical business practices within the organisation and among external stakeholders. The resort’s dedicated ESG (environmental, social and governance) team continually monitors and improves these initiatives, ensuring ongoing progress and compliance with sustainability standards.

A cornerstone of the resort’s sustainability efforts is its commitment to local employment. By December 2023, 21.7 percent of the resort’s workforce comprised hires from surrounding communities. This initiative not only supports local employment but also fosters a more sustainable economy. A notable programme is the Sustainable Agriculture initiative in collaboration with the Samsara Living Museum, which educates local farmers on eco-farming techniques. This initiative allows farmers to meet the resort’s high standards for kitchen supplies, enabling them to supply the hotel directly and eliminate intermediaries. Additionally, the resort partners with educational institutions like the Bali Culinary Pastry School and Politeknik Negri Bali to offer training opportunities that support economic growth and sustainability in the local community.

The Apurva Kempinski Bali offers guests an immersive cultural experience, showcasing Indonesian culture through its staff, performances and the resort’s art and architecture. Cultural preservation is a key focus, highlighted by the resort’s annual campaign that collaborates with partners to curate unique guest experiences. These experiences integrate Indonesia’s rich culture, traditions and heritage, providing a living theatre for guests.

To minimise its environmental footprint, the resort employs a science-based approach to sustainability. Initiatives include a hydroponic rooftop garden, comprehensive waste management programmes, sustainable weddings and an electric vehicle experience. The resort has also partnered with Eco-Tourism Bali to launch a mangrove planting programme, starting with the planting of 1,000 seeds, further demonstrating its commitment to climate neutrality.

General Manager Vincent Guironnet expressed his pride in the resort’s accomplishments, stating, “At our resort, we continually strive to innovate and find new ways to drive sustainability forward in the hospitality industry. It is truly an honour for us to be the first hotel in Indonesia to receive the prestigious GSTC certification. This recognition reaffirms our commitment, not only to providing unparalleled luxury experiences but also to leading the charge in sustainable tourism practices. We remain dedicated to creating impactful change while delivering exceptional experiences to our guests and shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come.”