ARTOTEL Group has marked a significant achievement in Indonesia’s hospitality landscape by becoming the first local hotel operator to secure GSTC Certification, demonstrating its strong commitment to internationally recognised sustainable tourism standards.
This recognition places ARTOTEL Group among leading global hotel brands capable of implementing sustainability practices in a consistent, measurable, and credible manner.
The certification was granted to ARTOTEL Group as a hotel management company, along with four audited properties: ARTOTEL Thamrin Jakarta, de Braga by ARTOTEL Bandung, ARTOTEL TS Suites Surabaya, and ARTOTEL Sanur Bali. The audit was conducted by Control Union, a GSTC-accredited certification body known for its strict and comprehensive verification standards.
GSTC itself is an independent international organisation formed through a collaboration between the UN Foundation, UNEP, and UN Tourism. As the global authority for sustainable tourism standards, GSTC certification is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous achievements in the hospitality industry, with the process carried out exclusively by accredited institutions.
During the assessment, ARTOTEL Group was evaluated against GSTC’s four pillars of sustainability: sustainable management, socio-economic benefits, cultural heritage preservation, and environmental protection. These pillars cover critical aspects such as long-term sustainability planning, local workforce empowerment, cultural conservation, carbon reduction, and responsible waste management.
This accomplishment aligns with global trends where travelers increasingly prioritise hotels with proven sustainability commitments. The certification strengthens ARTOTEL Group’s positioning as a hotel chain that is not only creative and innovative, but also socially and environmentally responsible.
“Becoming the first local hotel operator to obtain GSTC certification is both an honor and a major responsibility for us. Through our ESG principles, we aim to provide memorable stay experiences while contributing meaningfully to the environment and society,” said Eduard Rudolf Pangkerego, ARTOTEL Group Chief Operating Officer, who also emphasised that the certification reflects the company’s deep commitment to advancing its sustainability practices.
ARTOTEL Group’s ESG journey began in 2017 through partnerships with various NGOs and was reinforced through the launch of THE ART OF GOODNESS program in 2022. The initiative focuses on three pillars: Artotel Earth, dedicated to reducing environmental impact; Artotel Hope, centered on human empowerment and equal opportunities; and Artotel Welfare, which promotes well-being, compliance, and good governance.
To implement these initiatives, ARTOTEL Group collaborates with several strategic partners including MVB Sustainability Consultant which supports the group in embedding ESG practices across hotel operations and played a key role in helping secure the GSTC certification.
Other partners include Matalesoge Hospitality Academy, Bumiterra. ESG-Ku Digital Application, and Novooleum. The partnership with UNICEF also allows guests to engage in educational initiatives supporting Indonesian children. Additional collaborations include those with Nusantara Nature Conservation Foundation (YKAN), WWF Indonesia, Tri Upcycle, Surplus, Plana, and Purezza.
Through this milestone achievement, ARTOTEL Group strengthens its identity as an Indonesian hotel chain that not only stands out for its art-driven concepts and creativity, but also leads the way in sustainable tourism, setting a new benchmark for the national hospitality industry.
