Courtyard by Marriott Hakuba Becomes First in Hakuba Region to Acquire '4 Gyoiko Sakura' Certification from 'Sakura Quality An ESG Practice,' Japan's First ESG Certification for Accommodations

Courtyard by Marriott Hakuba (Location: Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano Prefecture; General Manager: Kentaro Ohira) has acquired the '4 Gyoiko Sakura' certification from 'Sakura Quality An ESG Practice,' Japan's first ESG certification developed by Sakura Quality Management Co., Ltd. This marks the first acquisition by an accommodation facility in the Hakuba region, and it highly recognizes the hotel's sustainability efforts promoted in collaboration with the community.

'Sakura Quality An ESG Practice' is a certification system that comprehensively evaluates sustainability, regional contribution, environmental consideration, and the establishment of healthy relationships with employees in the tourism business. While the acquisition of this certification requires initiatives that respond to the global trend of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), our hotel has been working in cooperation with the local community to implement the following initiatives:

* Participated in cleanup activities for Himekawa Dam and the Misorano area. * Conducted workplace experience programs for children using Hakuba Village's specialty 'Hozuki' (ground cherry). * Developed a new menu item, 'Goheimochi,' a local Shinshu food, in consultation with local farmers. * Cooperated with local university educational programs.

These continuous efforts led to the high evaluation in 'Sakura Quality An ESG Practice.' Courtyard by Marriott Hakuba will continue to aim for further quality improvement and social contribution as a leader in building a sustainable future for tourism together with the community.

What is Sakura Quality Green?

'Sakura Quality An ESG Practice' (commonly known as 'Sakura Quality Green') is Japan's first ESG certification developed by Sakura Quality Management Co., Ltd. The certification standards received approval from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), a U.S.-based international sustainable standards organization, in March 2022. This certification consists of 172 items based on GSTC's 42 criteria and is evaluated on a 5-level scale after responding to a checklist and undergoing on-site inspections by investigators.

Official website: https://www.sakurastay.com/

About Courtyard by Marriott Hakuba

Hakuba Village, where our hotel is located, is one of Japan's leading mountain resorts, showcasing diverse seasonal expressions in the embrace of the magnificent Northern Alps. It is a place where both Japanese and foreign visitors come to enjoy its unique climate, history, and culture. We offer a variety of room types to suit diverse stay styles, including rooms with hot springs where guests can experience Japanese relaxation, and rooms where guests can stay with their beloved dogs. In our restaurant, adorned with materials such as bricks and wood, you can enjoy grilled dishes carefully prepared by our chef, utilizing the blessings of Shinshu. Experience a refreshing stay at this international hotel embraced by the grand nature of Hakuba.

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