Protea Hotel by Marriott OR Tambo Airport and Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge have become the first Protea Hotels by Marriott in Sub-Saharan Africa to be awarded Green Key certification — an international eco-label recognising excellence in sustainable tourism and hospitality practices.

The Green Key certification, managed locally by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) and coordinated globally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), sets rigorous standards for environmental management, energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, and engagement with staff and guests.

“This Green Key certification is more than a plaque on the wall; it reflects a deep, daily commitment to sustainability at every level of hotel operations,” said Cindy-Lee Cloete, CEO of WESSA. “These hotels have not only met international standards but exceeded expectations through initiatives like food waste diversion, composting systems, and strong community engagement. What stands out most is the culture of sustainability embedded across the teams, from daily staff briefings to grassroots outreach.”

To achieve certification, each hotel underwent an independent audit and demonstrated measurable, ongoing efforts in sustainable operations.

 Protea Hotel by Marriott OR Tambo Airport achieved several milestones:

• 91% LED lighting coverage, far exceeding the minimum 50% requirement.

• Over 15,700 kilograms of food waste diverted from landfill.

• Implementation of an on-site bokashi composting system to convert food waste into compost.

• Daily integration of sustainability into staff communications and operations.

• Community support initiatives include mattress donations, soup drives, and regular blood donations by staff.

“We are incredibly proud to be the first Protea Hotel in Sub-Saharan Africa to achieve the prestigious Green Key certification,” said Amy Elliot, outgoing General Manager of Protea Hotel OR Tambo Airport. “We are even prouder of the fact that we are contributing to sustainable tourism. The support we have received from Green Executive and WESSA has been incredible, and we are grateful to the sustainability team at the hotel for making this happen.”

Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge was recognised for its guest-facing and community-based sustainability approach:

• A bokashi composting initiative that saved 30.3 tonnes of CO₂e in 2024 — equivalent to planting 1,375 trees.

• Coffee grounds are upcycled and used as a natural fertiliser.

• Launch of a 100% plant-based menu to promote climate-conscious dining.

• Development of an indigenous, water-wise garden to support local biodiversity.

• In-house herb garden fertilised by compost and used in the hotel’s kitchen.

“This milestone reflects the sustainability journey we’ve embraced as a team,” said General Manager Colin Naiker. “From composting to plant-based menus and water-wise gardens, it’s rewarding to see our daily efforts recognised, while meeting our guests’ growing expectations for sustainability.”

Green Key certification is supported by international organisations such as the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and UNESCO. It is currently held by over 7,500 establishments in more than 80 countries. The programme supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promotes environmentally responsible tourism while encouraging informed choices by travellers.

With this certification, both hotels demonstrate Marriott International’s expanding commitment to environmental responsibility in South Africa and contribute to broader efforts to advance sustainable hospitality practices in the region.