The global hospitality industry is taking bold steps toward sustainability and human rights, with India emerging as a key player in this transformative movement. At a major conference hosted by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), industry leaders rallied behind the vision of net positive hospitality—an approach where the sector gives more to the planet and people than it takes. As CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, representing nearly 50% of the world’s hotel rooms, I was inspired by the collective determination in the room. The urgency is clear: immediate action is needed on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and—most critically—human rights.
Among the key challenges addressed, modern slavery remains a pressing issue, with an estimated 10% of the world’s modern slaves working in hospitality. Practices like passport confiscation trap workers in exploitation, a crisis we’re tackling through training, certification, and greater transparency. Equally vital is industry-wide collaboration—no single company can solve these systemic problems alone. By uniting through alliances like ours, we can accelerate progress and create meaningful change.
India’s hospitality sector stands as a beacon of leadership, demonstrating that sustainability and ethical practices are achievable without compromising service excellence. The commitments made at this conference mark just the beginning. The time for talk is over—now is the moment to future-proof our industry for the planet, its workers, and generations to come.
Glenn Mandziuk leads the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, a global coalition driving sustainable growth and ethical standards in hospitality.
