Sustainability at Jetwing Hotels
Pioneering Sustainable Tourism With Sri Lankan Hospitality
Jetwing Hotels has been a pioneer of sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka, guided for nearly five decades by the philosophy of our founder the late Herbert Cooray. We believe that sustainability and its challenges are constantly evolving and require dynamic, innovative solutions. While our efforts in the past were guided by an inherent desire to maintain a harmonious relationship between the business, environment, and the local communities our initiatives today are guided by a comprehensive six-fold Sustainability Strategy.
Creating a Butterfly Effect
With the importance of sustainability being brought to the fore in recent times, the need for conscious decisions to be made for the future of the planet and its people is greater than ever. Rather than a destination, we believe that sustainability is a journey of discovery, innovation, and tenacity and making changes today, however small, can lead to a better future for all.
By sharing our journey of sustainability, what we have learnt, and what we hope to achieve, we aim to inspire change and create a butterfly effect.
Second Careers
With the hope of addressing the industry-wide shortage of female participation in hospitality, Jetwing Hotels initiated a gender sensitive recruitment project offering a second career to women in the local community over the age of 45 years who had completed their care responsibilities. Realising the potential to augment their existing skills in household management to a professional work environment in areas of Kitchen and Housekeeping operations, the Second Careers programme offers structured onboarding and capacity building to local women of need, targeting employment at hotels, enabling them to engage in a global career as professionals. This creative, inclusive recruitment initiative has seen remarkable social and economic benefits trickle down to their families and local communities, as we empower these individuals to become leaders and change-makers in their villages. The success of this initiative was acknowledged through the PATA Gold Award in 2022, in the category of Women Empowerment.
Sustainability Strategy
Built upon the commitment outlined in our Sustainability Policy, our Sustainability Strategy focuses on six key categories designed to promote a holistic framework of initiatives that focus on the environment, economy and people both within and beyond our family. More often than not, our initiatives encompass more than one category – demonstrating the extent of our sustainability efforts which highlight key impact areas of our business, and remain in continuous development in order to meet the needs of our rapidly changing world.
Energy & Carbon
More DetailsStriving towards carbon neutrality at the operations level of our hotels, by minimising emissions through innovation, transitioning to renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency.
Water & Waste
More DetailsOptimising our use of resources by extensively managing overall consumption, with a dedicated focus on increasing reusability and effective management of waste produced at our hotels.
Biodiversity
More DetailsActively conserving and raising awareness of the thriving natural habitats in and around our many homes of Sri Lankan hospitality.
Community & Culture
More DetailsSharing the economic and social benefits of sustainable tourism with our local communities, who in turn help us promote the unique culture of our island home.
Family
More DetailsPromoting a progressive, equal-opportunity work environment for our Associates through personal and professional development programmes that focus on innovation, exploration, and growth.
Sourcing & Production
More DetailsInternalising our supply chain where possible; supporting local communities by minimising imports, and giving preference to businesses around our properties for the procurement of various materials and supplies.
The Bigger Picture
The impact of the sustainable initiatives at Jetwing Hotels is not simply limited to its scope of operations, instead helps achieve wider objectives by aligning with the United Nations’ framework for sustainable development.
Our business actions and initiatives assure us that we are “almost there” when it comes to meeting the required targets for four of the goals; and we are “well on our way” towards meeting the targets of further eight goals. We recognise the importance of all sustainable development goals and believe that our continued commitment to improve our environmental and social performance will play an active part in its success.
Sustainability Policies
In order to ensure compliance with industry standards in specific operational areas, we have also developed a number of policies that are based on the aims and outcomes of our overall Sustainability Strategy.
- Environment Policy: We take all possible steps to protect and maintain a clean and healthy environment.
- Energy Management Policy: We understand and believe that energy is a valuable commodity and conservation of energy is the need of the hour.
- Human Rights Policy: We acknowledge and respect the principles contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and The International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
- ‘Zero Tolerance Policy’: on Child Abuse in Sri Lanka: As a responsible tourism initiative we aim to highlight and generate awareness on child abuse in Sri Lanka which we have a zero tolerance policy on.
- Quality Assurance Policy: We are committed to delivering the highest quality of service, meeting the needs & expectations of our guests and other stakeholders.
- Food Safety Policy: We acknowledge our responsibility to provide safe and wholesome food for our guests and our associates.
- Jetwing COVID-19 Safety Policy: We acknowledge our responsibility to maintain an environment devoid of COVID-19 threats for our employees and interested parties.