Pro-invest Group has achieved a significant sustainability milestone, with its three New Zealand fund hotels becoming the first properties in the country to receive Green Key certification, one of the leading international eco-certification for tourism businesses.
The voco Auckland City Centre, Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown, operated by EVT Connect Hospitality, have joined Pro-invest Group’s 12 Australian fund hotels in achieving the prestigious certification, marking the successful completion of the Group’s ambitious sustainability goal set under its One Earth, Countless Experiences strategy.
Launched in 2022, the One Earth, Countless Experiences strategy established a clear target: to ensure all 15 Pro-invest Group fund hotels across Australia and New Zealand achieved third-party sustainability certification by the end of 2025. The Group has successfully delivered on this commitment, with the New Zealand hotels marking a first for the country under the Green Key program.
“Adopting independent sustainability certifications has been central to our One Earth, Countless Experiences strategy since its launch,” said Cindy van Der Wal, Senior ESG & Communications Manager APAC, Pro-invest Group. “Achieving Green Key certification across all 15 fund hotels in Australia and New Zealand demonstrates what alignment, persistence and partnership can deliver. I’m incredibly proud of our teams, business partners and stakeholders who made this milestone a reality and for their commitment to continuously elevating our fund hotels’ sustainability initiatives.”
Jason Sabin, Portfolio General Manager, EVT Connect Hospitality NZ, added: “Our teams across all three properties have embraced the Green Key framework with genuine enthusiasm. This certification validates the hard work and dedication our staff demonstrate every day in implementing sustainable practices that benefit both our guests and the environment.”
Pro-invest Group and EVT have maintained a long-standing commitment to adopting best practice, value add ESG initiatives and principles across their hotels’ asset lifecycles. Independent third-party certification demonstrates sustainable hotel operations and EVT is proud to continue Pro-invest Group’s commitment to sustainability in action for these hotels.
Green Key is aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards and is recognised as an approved certification scheme by IHG, which has committed to rolling out the program across its hotel portfolio globally.
Scott Mitchell, Director and Co-Founder of Australian Sustainable Destinations Alliance, said: “Australian Sustainable Destinations Alliance is proud to have collaborated with Green Key International to support Pro-invest Group in achieving Green Key certification for their New Zealand owned and managed hotels. Pro-invest Group continues to be a leader in sustainable hospitality in our region, and the achievement of Green Key certification for their New Zealand estate further consolidates this enviable position.”
