RIU becomes the first hotel group worldwide to certify all properties with ECOSTARS

International

All operational RIU hotels now hold the sustainability certification, reaching a key ESG milestone one year ahead of schedule

RIU Hotels & Resorts has achieved ECOSTARS certification for 100% of its operational hotels, becoming the first hotel chain globally to reach this milestone. The achievement confirms the Mallorcan group’s long-term commitment to responsible tourism and was reached a year earlier than planned under RIU’s four-year Proudly Committed sustainability strategy (2023–2026).

Certification across the global portfolio

With 98 hotels certified in 21 countries, the ECOSTARS label now covers all RIU establishments currently in operation. Only recently opened hotels, such as Riu Plaza Toronto and Riu Ventura in Mexico, are temporarily excluded as they do not yet have sufficient consumption data for analysis.

ECOSTARS is a leading ESG AI platform for the hotel industry, recognised by organisations including UN Tourism and the Spanish Tourism Council. The certification provides RIU with advanced environmental management tools, including the calculation of Scope 3 carbon emissions across the value chain and a comprehensive sustainability database that supports transparent communication with travel partners.

Data-driven sustainability management

According to Xisca Sitjar, RIU’s Operational Sustainability Manager, ECOSTARS was selected for its industry-specific, comparative approach. “The platform allows us to benchmark energy, water and waste performance against similar hotels in comparable destinations. Its streamlined methodology focuses on metrics with real impact and includes third-party verification, ensuring robust and credible results,” she explains.

Operational and strategic benefits

The certification supports RIU in continuously optimising energy and water consumption, reducing operating costs and mitigating environmental risks. It also strengthens the group’s position in sustainability-driven segments such as MICE tourism, enhances its appeal to ESG-conscious travellers and employees, and supports compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.

Founded in Mallorca in 1953, RIU Hotels & Resorts operates 98 hotels in 21 countries. In 2024, the group welcomed 6.7 million guests and employed more than 38,000 people worldwide.