Small Luxury Hotels of the World enters a new chapter as it moves toward its 35th anniversary. The brand releases its Sustainability Call to Action Report, which highlights a series of impactful steps toward responsible hospitality. The report showcases the rapid growth of the Considerate Collection and outlines new sustainability expectations for more than 650 member hotels worldwide. These moves reflect the industry’s rising demand for environmentally conscious travel and transparent hospitality practices.
Travelers continue to shift toward sustainable choices, and SLH meets this shift with measured action. The brand now focuses on building a global community of small independent hotels that place sustainability at the core of their operations. This focus aligns with the wider movement across international tourism, where travelers want meaningful experiences that respect local communities and natural environments.
A Growing Commitment Through the Considerate Collection
The Considerate Collection plays a central role in SLH’s sustainability mission. The collection now includes 82 hotels that uphold some of the most rigorous sustainability requirements in luxury hospitality. These hotels follow detailed criteria covering environment, culture, and community engagement. The program highlights properties that show consistent progress in sustainable practices rather than short-lived efforts.
The collection celebrates its fourth anniversary with notable expansion. Over the past year, 24 new hotels joined the group. Each property strengthens the network with unique approaches that support conservation, community empowerment, and resource efficiency. These hotels help travelers connect with the local landscapes and cultures in meaningful ways. They also help preserve natural environments through water conservation, ethical sourcing, and waste reduction.
Hotels in the collection include coastal retreats, countryside estates, and contemporary city hideaways. Each one reflects the spirit of its location and blends luxury with ecological responsibility. SLH continues to support these properties with guidance, assessment tools, and educational resources that help them grow stronger in sustainable operations.
Ten Minimum Standards to Guide All SLH Hotels by 2027
SLH introduces a major update with the announcement of its Ten Minimum Standards of Sustainability. These standards will apply to every hotel in the portfolio by 2027. The guidelines address essential areas such as energy efficiency, water stewardship, ethical sourcing, and DEAI integration. The standards give hotels clear goals that improve environmental impact while strengthening social responsibility.
SLH encourages each member property to adopt efficient lighting systems, improve building insulation, and switch to renewable energy when possible. Water conservation receives high priority because many hotels operate in regions affected by climate change. The standards promote responsible landscaping, modern filtration systems, and reduced water consumption.
Hotels also receive guidance on community partnerships. SLH wants each property to support local producers, hire local talent, and uplift cultural traditions. These guidelines help strengthen regional economies while improving guest experiences. The standards also emphasize transparency, which helps travelers understand how hotels reduce their environmental footprint.
Powerful Partnerships That Shape Inclusive and Sustainable Travel
Industry collaboration forms a vital part of SLH’s long-term strategy. The brand deepens its partnerships with organizations that focus on inclusion, cultural awareness, and accessible travel. These partnerships support hotels as they create safer and more welcoming environments for all guests.
The collaboration with OutThere strengthens LGBTQIA+ inclusivity across SLH hotels. This partnership helps hotels improve staff training, room experience design, and guest engagement. The work ensures that each guest feels respected and valued.
SLH also partners with IncluCare to improve accessibility. IncluCare guides hotels on supporting guests with physical, sensory, and cognitive needs. This work includes property assessments, staff workshops, and service enhancement roadmaps. These efforts help SLH hotels deliver thoughtful hospitality that meets global accessibility expectations.
Knowledge Sharing Through Considerate Connections
SLH held the first Considerate Connections Retreat in Morocco. This gathering brought together leaders from the Considerate Collection to explore regenerative hospitality. Participants discussed nature protection, cultural preservation, and long-term climate resilience. These discussions help shape future strategies across the SLH community.
SLH plans to continue this retreat series to encourage global learning. These gatherings create space for hotels to share solutions, challenges, and innovations. The sessions inspire fresh sustainability ideas that each hotel can apply in its region.
A Vision That Redefines the Future of Luxury Travel
SLH enters the next decade with strong commitment and clear direction. The brand envisions a future where luxury hospitality also protects the planet and uplifts communities. The expanded Considerate Collection strengthens this vision. The new sustainability standards guide all hotels toward measurable improvements. Industry partnerships help broaden inclusivity and accessibility.
SLH believes small, independent hotels shape the future of sustainable travel because they connect closely with local cultures and environments. The brand continues to support these hotels with tools, shared knowledge, and a global platform. This work ensures that travelers can enjoy authentic luxury while contributing to a positive impact.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
