JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa has become the first Marriott International property in Queensland to earn Ecotourism Australia’s Sustainable Tourism Certification.
The globally recognised standard recognises hotels that meet over 200 key criteria across environmental, socio-economic and cultural performance.
Key initiatives include the guest-accessible JW Garden, where organic waste from the kitchen is composted to produce nutrient-rich fertiliser for seasonally grown crops, and its efforts to house a colony of native bees to assist in the pollination of fresh produce.
Through a collaboration with Advanced Eco Certified operator Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa also allows guests to further engage in conservation efforts via tree planting excursions and behind-the-scenes wildlife tours, aimed at raising funds for the sanctuary hospital’s programs.
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa General Manager, Ravinder Dhesi, said the team have gone to great efforts to be sustainable across all areas.
“We’ve woven responsible practices into the very fabric of our operations – from our on-site beehive and worm farm to the JW Garden that supplies fresh produce to our kitchens to energy-reduction measures like LED light fixtures, rainwater irrigation, high-efficiency gas boilers and flow-restricted water tanks,” Dhesi said.
“We also have initiatives that guests can participate in like tree planting excursions and behind-the-scenes wildlife tours via our partner Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
“Our certification marks a big step in the move towards a greener future. We look forward to continuing to measure, monitor and improve our environmental performance over time and finding new ways to do better for our guests, our community and the environment.”
Ecotourism Australia CEO, Elissa Keenan, praised JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa team members for their proactive approach.
“Congratulations to JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa for taking this significant step on their sustainability journey,” Keenan said.
“Their enthusiastic approach to embedding sustainability throughout all aspects of their business operations is a testament to their team.
“We are proud to recognise JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa as the second Marriott property in Australia to achieve Sustainable Tourism Certification, following Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel’s certification earlier this year.”