With Hong Kong hosting an expanding lineup of international mega-events, concerts and large‑scale exhibitions – alongside the new tourism and transport facilitation measures, the city is experiencing a strong tourism resurgence — welcoming 49.9 million visitors in 2025, a 12% increase year‑on‑year, according to the latest Hong Kong Tourism Board data released in January 2026. This sustained inflow of travellers continues to elevate demand for high‑quality, trustworthy and sustainability‑driven hospitality services.

Why Green Key certification is a game changer for Hong Kong hospitality?

As the hospitality sector moves toward comprehensive sustainability, supply chain management, ESG performance and occupational safety management have become essential capabilities. So, what are the key elements that help enhance operational quality and strengthen market competitiveness?

With 8,500+ certified establishments across more than 90 countries, Green Key certification is one of the world’s most respected eco-certification programmes, recognized as a benchmark for environmental responsibility and sustainable operations in the hospitality.

By adopting Green Key certification, Hong Kong hospitality operators can unlock strategic advantages:

• Stand out in a sustainability-driven market: Travellers, corporates and MICE organisers increasingly prioritise hotels with credible, internationally recognised sustainability credentials backed by FEE standards.
• Boost operational efficiency while reducing costs: Drives improvements across core operational areas including energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable procurement and staff environmental training supported by structured environmental management systems.
• Strengthen ESG credentials and prepare for regulations: Supports alignment with international and Hong Kong sustainability goals, ESG reporting requirements and growing corporate procurement expectations.
• Build a strong internal sustainability culture: Embeds environmental awareness and responsible practices across hospitality teams - reinforcing long-term performance and organizational resilience.

Why you need support and why start your Green Key Journey with SGS?

As a global leader in sustainability and certification, we support hospitality operators streamline the whole Green Key journey - from initial gap assessment and practical implementation guidance to staff training and third-party onsite audits. Our support removes complexity, accelerates readiness and enables hospitality operators to achieve Green Key certification.

We also bring a strong regional presence: our auditors across South and East Asia (Indonesia, India, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, China/Hong Kong and Taiwan) and Africa and Indian Ocean regions (Egypt, Mauritius, Kenya, Zambia and South Africa) are fully trained in Green Key criteria and audit procedures – ensuring consistent and meet international assessments standard.

Global recognition in action — we supporting Green Key worldwide

From global hotel groups to boutique brands, we have supported properties worldwide - including Pasha Real Estate Hotels in Azerbaijan - in achieving Green Key certification and enhancing the position in the sustainability-driven hospitality sector.

For specific advice on your project, please contact our team for a consultation: hk.ba@sgs.com.