The Ministry of Environment is set to propose a comprehensive green certification framework for the hotel industry to accelerate its transition toward sustainability. This move aligns with the global rise in sustainable tourism, which emphasizes the responsibility of both businesses and travelers in minimizing environmental, social, and economic impacts.

Current Landscape of Sustainable Hotel Certification in Taiwan

Despite the increasing international focus on sustainability, Taiwan has yet to establish a dedicated certification system for sustainable travel. While some nations have taken significant steps—such as Singapore, which aims for at least 60% of its hotel rooms to attain internationally recognized sustainability certifications this year, and Turkey, which has mandated certification for all hotels—Taiwan’s progress has been slow.

Currently, only 19 hotels in Taiwan hold international sustainability certification, according to the Tourism Administration. The government had introduced the Green Mark Hotel Certification in 2008, focusing on energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and minimizing single-use waste. However, only 154 hotels have obtained this certification.

Transforming Green Certification to Meet Global Standards

To bridge the gap and align Taiwan’s hotel industry with international benchmarks, authorities are planning to expand the scope of the Green Mark Hotel Certification into a more comprehensive green certification system. This new framework will incorporate environmental, social, and cultural sustainability elements, ensuring that the domestic hospitality sector meets global sustainability standards.

The revamped certification may adopt a tiered grading system—gold, silver, and bronze—based on a hotel’s sustainability performance. Discussions with relevant stakeholders will help define the criteria for each category.

Encouraging Hotels to Join the Green Transition

The proposed certification is expected to be integrated with national tourism initiatives and green procurement strategies. Travelers may also be encouraged to prioritize hotels with sustainability certification, further driving demand for eco-conscious accommodation options.

To support this transition, the Tourism Administration has pledged continued collaboration with the Ministry of Environment. It will provide subsidies to hotels seeking local or international certification in sustainability, energy conservation, and carbon footprint reduction. Additionally, training programs and symposiums are being organized to enhance industry awareness and preparedness for adopting sustainability standards.

Sustainability as a Competitive Edge for Hotels

While some hoteliers remain cautious about investing in international sustainability certifications due to potential operational impacts, there is growing recognition that sustainability is becoming a key differentiator in the hospitality sector.

In particular, the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism segment is increasingly prioritizing sustainability when selecting venues. With only a limited number of Taiwanese hotels currently certified for sustainable practices, the industry faces the risk of missing out on lucrative business opportunities if it does not adapt.

Looking Ahead

As sustainable tourism continues to shape global travel trends, Taiwan’s hospitality sector must proactively embrace green initiatives to remain competitive. The introduction of a structured, internationally recognized green certification framework will not only enhance the quality of hotel services but also contribute to environmental conservation and socio-economic sustainability.

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