AX The Palace and AX The Victoria become Malta’s first GSTC-Certified hotels

Sliema’s AX The Palace and AX The Victoria have become the first hotels in Malta to achieve certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) for their sustainability practices.

The company remarked that the path to GSTC certification for AX The Palace and AX The Victoria reflects a series of efforts, including implementing new policies, fostering responsible resource use, enhancing infrastructure, and educating both team members and guests on sustainable practices.

Each step has been aligned with GSTC standards, and the certification process, marked by rigorous criteria and extensive evaluation, demonstrates AX Hotels’ commitment to maintaining high standards in environmental and social sustainability.

Claire Zammit Xuereb, Director of Hospitality & Care at AX Group said that the company is proud to “set new standards and embrace innovative solutions that benefit both guests and the environment.”

James Galea, Hotel Manager for AX Sliema Hotels, added that the certification forms part of an ongoing journey, involving teamwork and commitment from all its team members.

“It builds upon our earlier Eco-Certification achieved through the Malta Tourism Authority, and we remain focused on striving to meet our sustainable targets,” he added.

GSTC is a leading global authority on sustainable tourism, setting internationally recognised standards for sustainable practices within the tourism industry. The GSTC criteria are designed to help tourism businesses and destinations address environmental, social, and cultural sustainability issues. The certification process involves a rigorous assessment of a property’s practices, including responsible resource use, waste management, community engagement, and education efforts aimed at both staff and guests.