The GSTC, which promotes best practices in sustainable tourism, provides guidance for rigorous standards in the travel and tourism sector across four pillars: sustainable management, social impact, cultural and community preservation and environmental stewardship.

The Apurva Kempinski Bali general manager Vincent Guironnet said the resort was continually striving to innovate and find new ways to advance sustainability in the hospitality industry.

“It is truly an honor for us to be the first hotel in Indonesia to receive the prestigious GSTC certification. This recognition reaffirms our commitment, not only to providing unparalleled luxury experiences but also to leading the charge in sustainable tourism practices. We remain dedicated to creating impactful change while delivering exceptional experiences to our guests and shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come." 

Sustainability has been the core of The Apurva Kempinski Bali's brand strategy road map, encompassing all environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The GSTC certification signifies the resort's commitment to sustainable growth to measure, enhance and communicate its commitment to sustainable practices. The rigorous audit by the GSTC’s appointed certification body, Control Union, highlighted four key criteria.

In the Effective Sustainability Management pillar, the resort integrates sustainable principles into its operation through policies and procedures that adhere to ethical business within the organization and external stakeholders. In addition, the resort has a dedicated ESG team that continuously monitors and improves sustainable initiatives.

For the Maximize Social and Economic Benefits for the Local Community aspect, the resort had achieved a significant target of 21.7 percent local hires from the surrounding communities as of December 2023.

Additionally, the resort's commitment to nurturing a more sustainable economy is evident in its Sustainable Agriculture program, in partnership with Samsara Living Museum, which educates local farmers in eco-farming techniques with an aim to produce kitchen supplies that meet the five-star standards required by the hotel and opening doors for local farmers to provide directly to the hotel, thereby eliminating the involvement of middlemen.

To further support community development, the resort also collaborates with educational institutions like the Bali Culinary Pastry School and Politeknik Negri Bali to provide training opportunities and strive for the  economic growth and sustainability of the local community.

In addition, the Maximize Benefits to Cultural Heritage pillar focuses on the resort’s commitment to local culture, with guests able to experience Indonesian culture as showcased by every performer and member of staff amid a backdrop of local art and architecture. Ultimately, the cultural preservation is highlighted through the resort’s annual campaign, focusing on collaborating with partners across disciplines to curate unique guest experiences while integrating Indonesia’s  culture, tradition and heritage.

Lastly, the Maximize Benefits to Environment and Minimize Negative Impacts aspect is shown in the resort’s science-based approach to reducing its environmental footprint, encompassing a range of initiatives such as hydroponic rooftop garden, waste management, sustainable weddings and electric vehicle experience. To further emphasize its dedication to climate neutrality, the resort partnered with Eco-Tourism Bali to launch the mangrove planting program, beginning with the planting of 1,000 seeds.

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