From Commitment to Tangible Results – Driving Ocean Conservation for Long-Term Health and Sustainability
In the second year of its ocean commitment, Novotel has turned its dedication into measurable results. The brand has continued to develop its operational approaches, food service offerings, staff capacity building, guest engagement initiatives, and support for marine conservation projects across its network of more than 600 hotels worldwide.
Novotel’s Ocean Positive Impact Plan- Continuing the Wave of Change
In June 2024, Novotel began a three-year partnership with WWF France, aimed at reducing its impact on the ocean through concrete operational measures. The collaboration establishes both short- and long-term frameworks under the four pillars of the Positive Impact Plan.
Progress can be seen across the hotel network. 92% of Novotel hotels comply with Accor’s single-use plastic reduction policy*, and 73% have received external environmental certifications. This demonstrates how day-to-day hotel operations can help reduce environmental pressure on the ocean.
On the sustainable food strategy front, Novotel continues to promote a plant-forward approach. By the end of 2025, half of Novotel hotels worldwide offered plant-based options making up at least 25% of their menu items, with a target to expand this proportion to all hotels by the end of 2026.
In terms of sustainable seafood, 41% of Novotel hotels have eliminated the use of more than 350 vulnerable marine species, following WWF guidelines. This has been accompanied by enhanced traceability and responsible sourcing practices. Additionally, as of mid-May 2026, over 1,600 chefs and kitchen staff have completed WWF Sustainable Seafood Training, helping to integrate sustainability principles into daily operations.
Awareness-building remains a key component of the program. As of mid-May 2026, over 3,200 hotel staff have completed Novotel’s Ocean Awareness Training, developed in partnership with AXA Climate, to deepen understanding of the challenges facing marine ecosystems. Meanwhile, guest engagement activities such as World Ocean Month play an important role in raising awareness and inspiring ocean conservation among staff, guests, and the wider community.
Novotel Oceans Impact Report
To inspire younger generations, Novotel has launched a learning game for children and families, developed in partnership with WWF, to promote understanding of endangered marine species in an accessible and fun way. As a hotel brand popular with traveling families worldwide, Novotel believes that sustainable change is not achieved through operational improvements alone, but also requires a genuine understanding of the importance of ocean conservation and the growing challenges facing marine life today.
The international partnership between Novotel and WWF France continues to play a vital role in supporting marine conservation projects across the globe. Over the past year, steady progress has been made. These projects range from protecting marine habitats and supporting scientific research, to promoting community engagement and expanding knowledge-sharing, while also extending operations to new areas.
Novotel’s commitment to ocean conservation has also been recognized on the global stage through its participation in the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France, in June 2025. There, the brand shared ideas on sustainable tourism, marine biodiversity, sustainable seafood, and the role of the hotel industry in supporting ocean conservation.
Novotel ocean conservation report
This progress has been made possible by a growing network of hotel owners and partners who share Novotel’s vision for responsible hospitality, through investment and operational change that translates brand commitment into measurable, tangible results.
Looking at the overall picture of the past year’s operations, it is clear that Novotel has made significant strides in advancing its ocean mission. While there is still more work ahead, the goal remains unchanged: to support the long-term health and sustainability of the ocean.
*Unless otherwise stated, all referenced data is for fiscal year 2025 and is based on Accor’s annual sustainability reporting.
Key Figures at a Glance
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92% of Novotel hotels comply with single-use plastic reduction policy
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73% of Novotel hotels have received external environmental certifications
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50% of Novotel hotels offer Plant-Based menus (at least 25% of items)
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41% of Novotel hotels have eliminated use of vulnerable marine species (350+ species)
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1,600+ chefs and kitchen staff trained in WWF Sustainable Seafood Training
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3,200+ hotel staff trained in Ocean Awareness Training
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1 family learning game developed with WWF to promote ocean conservation
