Assessment of existing sustainability performance across hospitality and tourism operations
Sustainability initiatives in hotels and tourism organisations often develop gradually and without a unified structure. Without a structured assessment of existing processes, measures and responsibilities, organisations often lack a clear foundation for strategic decision-making and targeted improvement.
HOLITRA supports hotels and tourism organisations through independent sustainability assessments and gap analyses. Existing operational practices, organisational structures, requirements and development opportunities are analysed to establish a clear basis for strategy development, certification readiness and operational implementation.
Scope of the assessment
01
Current practices
Assessment of existing sustainability measures and operational practices across hotel operations.
02
Data & reporting
Analysis of existing data availability, KPIs and reporting processes.
03
Stakeholder expectations
Assessment of relevant stakeholder expectations and market-related requirements.
04
Organisational structures
Review of organisational structures, roles and operational responsibilities.
05
Gaps & priorities
Identification of gaps, risks and priorities for further sustainability development.
01
Decision-making foundation
Clear foundation for strategic decision-making and sustainability prioritisation.
02
Improvement areas
Identification of relevant improvement areas and development opportunities across hotel operations.
03
Prioritised recommendations
Practical and prioritised recommendations for sustainability strategy development.
04
Foundation for systems
Foundation for structured sustainability systems and management processes.
05
Certification & reporting basis
Basis for certification readiness and sustainability reporting.
Assessment outcomes
Business Cases
Hospitality examples showing how sustainability assessments help clarify priorities, identify gaps, and support better business decisions.
Sustainability Gap Analysis
FAQs
FAQ Sustainability assessment in hospitality
What is a hospitality sustainability assessment?
A hospitality sustainability assessment, or gap analysis, is a structured evaluation of a hotel’s or tourism organisation’s existing sustainability performance. It typically covers operational practices, available data and KPIs, stakeholder and regulatory expectations, and organisational structures and responsibilities — providing a clear foundation for strategy development, certification readiness and operational implementation.
How long does a sustainability assessment take?
The duration depends on the size of the organisation and the number of properties involved. A single-property assessment is typically completed within a few weeks; multi-property portfolios or hotel groups usually require a longer, phased process. HOLITRA agrees the scope and timeline individually with each client before starting.
Do we need a sustainability assessment before pursuing certification (e.g. GSTC or EU Ecolabel)?
It is strongly recommended. Certification bodies expect documented evidence that organisational practices already align with their criteria. A structured assessment identifies gaps early, so that certification preparation builds on a realistic foundation rather than an unclear starting point.
How does the assessment connect to HOLITRA's broader approach?
The assessment is typically the entry point into the HOLITRA Hospitality Sustainability System. It establishes a baseline across strategy, standards, buildings, operations and reporting, so the priorities identified can be addressed as one connected system rather than isolated initiatives.
Next step: Sustainability Strategy
Based on the assessment, clear priorities and a structured sustainability strategy are defined to support further development and operational implementation.
Connect with us
Discuss your current sustainability performance and establish a clear foundation for strategy, certification and operational implementation.