Global Tourism Plastic Initiative
In 2020 we became a signatory of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI), led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Tourism Organization (WTO), in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Our role is to unite the hostel industry to address the root causes of plastic pollution and we are encouraging our hostel partners to sign up to GTPI with a commitment to reducing their single use plastic consumption.
Join the Global Tourism Plastic Initiative and Help Reduce Plastic Waste
At Hostelworld, we care deeply about the environment and our impact on the planet. That's why we're proud to support the Global Tourism Plastic Initiative, a collaborative effort between the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Tourism Organization to help reduce plastic waste in the tourism industry.
But we can't do it alone. We need your help to make a real difference. That's why we're encouraging our partner hostels to join us in supporting the Global Tourism Plastic Initiative.
How does it work?
Becoming a GTPI signatory is free, and you do not have to commit to eliminating 100% of plastic. It is a commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle. You can identify three types of unnecessary plastics to eliminate in at least three areas in the hostel, and how you would like to do it, e.g. reducing individual use packaging and the year in which you would like to implement these changes.
You will then need to commit to introducing two reusable solutions following the above and engage your value chain to embrace reusable, recycled and compostable options.
By signing up, you'll be making a commitment to reducing your own plastic waste and helping to create a more sustainable future for all.
When you sign up for the Global Tourism Plastic Initiative, you'll receive access to a wealth of resources and tools to help you reduce plastic waste in your hostel. You'll also be joining a community of like-minded businesses that are committed to making a positive impact on the environment.
RisingSoul Retreat, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Hoscars 2022 "The Eco-Warrior" Finalist
Over half of you are working on sustainability.
We know that many of you are making the planet a priority, with 56% of hostels surveyed already working on sustainability initiatives and a further 37% interested in getting involved. Many of our hostel partners signed up to the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI) and we're guiding them in reducing their plastics.
So why wait? Sign up for the Global Tourism Plastic Initiative today and help us create a more sustainable future for everyone. Together, we can make a difference.
What we want to achieve
We hope at least 500 hostels commit to joining the GTPI by 2025, and make their participation visible on Hostelworld site.
We will act as the facilitator to advise and guide hostels to better manage their plastics throughout their operations.
Palmar Beach Lodge, Bocas del Toro, Panama
Hoscars 2022 "The Eco-Warrior" Winner