France/ Relais & Châteaux forges partnership with Unesco
At its annual congress, the Relais & Châteaux association announced the signature of an agreement with Unesco and new commitments to sustainable development.
Relais & Châteaux announces the signature of a partnership with Unesco. "Our aim is to support change, to continue to rethink the models of our establishments in order to associate travel with environmental, social and economic objectives", explains Laurent Gardinier, President of Relais & Châteaux, for whom the partnership with Unesco is "an obvious choice".
With the aim of operating its establishments in a more sustainable way, Relais & Châteaux, which federates 580 hotels and restaurants, is now focusing its actions on three missions: "to preserve the traditions of hospitality and the cuisines of the world; to contribute to the protection and development of biodiversity; and to act daily for a more humane world".
A commission dedicated to sustainable development
A number of projects will aim to enhance the value of Unesco sites and preserve their natural and cultural heritage. In 2025, the first pilot projects will be implemented by Relais & Châteaux members located near Man and the Biosphere Programme biosphere reserves and World Heritage sites.
With 759 biosphere reserves in 136 countries, Unesco protects almost 8 million km² ofequivalent to the surface area of Australia - and supports the communities that benefit from them. Almost half of Relais & Châteaux members are within two hours of a Unesco biosphere reserve.
In addition, a 7-member commission dedicated to sustainable development will oversee all of the association's actions, as well as better supporting members in their transformation. Inspected every two years on technical and emotional criteria, the properties will also be assessed on quantitative criteria linked to sustainable development.
Source: www.lechotouristique.com
