Ascott hosted the workshop “Shaping Sustainable Tourism, Together” on July 17, 2025, at lyf Ginza Tokyo, the first hotel in Japan to receive GSTC certification by Vireo, a GSTC-accredited certification body. The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) participated in this day event, which brought together future leaders in the travel and hospitality industries to explore sustainable tourism through engaging activities and meaningful dialogue.
Organized under the Ascott Cares program, the workshop highlighted Ascott’s multifaceted initiatives in environmental stewardship, community engagement, and responsible supply chain practices.
During the workshop, Emi Kaiwa, GSTC’s Finance Director, delivered a keynote lecture on sustainable tourism, highlighting global trends and the role of the GSTC Standards in shaping a more sustainable future for the tourism industry and spoke about the importance of certification as an important milestone in the sustainability journey.
Participants joined interactive workshops within the lyf Ginza Tokyo property to experience firsthand how sustainability can be integrated into hospitality operations. The event concluded with a networking café, providing an opportunity for attendees to exchange ideas and build connections centered on sustainability and the future of tourism. The workshop also coincided with “Grow Your Way – with Ascott: Brand. Passion. Possibility,” a career event designed for students and professionals aspiring to join the hospitality sector.
The workshop was featured in the Japanese newspaper Kankokeizai, see here.
As one of the first hospitality groups to attain GSTC-Committed status, Ascott has embedded the GSTC Standards across its operations. The Ascott CARES framework, which guides the company’s sustainability initiatives, is aligned with the GSTC Hotel Standard, ensuring consistent practices globally. With five of its properties in Japan already achieving GSTC certification*, the group aims to obtain certification for all 22 properties operating in Japan by the end of 2025.
Explore Ascott’s latest Sustainability Report here, where the group highlights the GSTC Standards Across Every Story. More information about Ascott’s sustainability initiatives: https://www.discoverasr.com/en/ascott-cares
*Note: The term “GSTC Certification” is a shorthand for “Certified by a Certification Body that is GSTC-Accredited.”
