London, UK – 30th November 2015 – Hilton Worldwide (NYSE:HLT) today announced it is the first global hotel company to serve Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) eco-labelled and certified cod in its restaurants in 41 properties across the U.K., Netherlands and Belgium. These properties have achieved MSC chain of custody certified status, and Hilton’s 41 remaining luxury and full-service owned, leased and managed properties in these countries are on track to receive MSC chain of custody certification by 2017.
This landmark step is part of Hilton’s strategy toward more responsible and sustainable sourcing around the world. Last April, the company implemented a shark fin ban across all restaurants and F&B facilities globally, and in March this year, Hilton Singapore became the first hotel in Asia to achieve MSC chain of custody certification.
Maxime Verstraete, vice president, sustainability, Hilton Worldwide, said: "Today’s announcement is part of our long term commitment to responsible sourcing while at the same time maintaining the highest culinary standards. Seafood is a popular choice with our guests, and it’s critical that we include sustainable fishing practices in our sourcing strategy if it is to remain available in the future. With clear MSC labelling now on our menus in 41 restaurants in the UK, Netherlands and Belgium, we are giving our guests more and more sustainable seafood choices.”
Over a quarter (28.8%) of the world’s marine stocks are overfished or depleted, with a further two thirds (61.3%) fished as intensively as they can be [source: The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture Report 2014]. The MSC is an independent global organisation set up to tackle the problem of overfishing by recognising and rewarding sustainable fisheries through its certification and eco-labelling programme. Certified Hilton hotels will now use the MSC’s striking ecolabel to highlight which menu items are from certified sustainable fisheries.
A leader in the hotel sector
Rupert Howes, CEO of the MSC said: “This certification clearly establishes Hilton as a leader within the hotel sector. By getting 41 hotels MSC chain of custody certified across Europe they are sending a clear message that sustainable seafood sourcing is taken seriously at Hilton. The pledge shows that Hilton has a deep-rooted commitment to sustainable seafood and by choosing MSC certified cod, Hilton is rewarding fishermen who have demonstrated their sustainability, helping to make sure our oceans are protected for generations to come.”
The news follows Hilton’s announcement with WWF to collaborate to evolve the hospitality company's global business practices and reduce its impact on the environment. As part of this work, Hilton is focusing on sustainable seafood, which includes procuring from fisheries and farms meeting the most comprehensive and credible standards – Marine Stewardship Council certified fisheries and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified farms. These efforts, in conjunction with supply chain engagement and education, aim to ensure the viability of seafood sources and healthier oceans.
As a leading global hospitality company, Hilton encourages its hotels to increase their use of sustainable products and services where feasible, and proactively examine opportunities to improve sustainability performance across their supply chains. This commitment supports the 'Living Sustainably' pillar of Hilton’s global corporate responsibility strategy, Travel with Purpose.
About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. For 96 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The Company’s portfolio of twelve world-class global brands is comprised of more than 4,500 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties, with more than 745,000 rooms in 97 countries and territories, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio - A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The Company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where HHonors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using a Digital Key. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide on facebook, twitter, YouTube, flickr and LinkedIn.
About Travel with Purpose
Travel with Purpose is Hilton Worldwide's commitment to provide shared value to its business and communities around the world. As the driving strategy for Hilton Worldwide's corporate responsibility efforts, Travel with Purpose focuses on creating opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential; strengthening local communities where Team Members live, work and travel; celebrating cultures and the power of travel; and living sustainably through the measurement, analysis and improvement of the use of natural resources.