‘Hotel Barahi Kathmandu’ receives TOFTiger certification

KATHMANDU: Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFTiger) has awarded the Hotel Barahi Kathmandu with a certification for excellence in sustainable practices. The certification, which is valid from September 2024 to August 2027, was granted by TOFTiger, recognizing the hotel’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

At a special event organized in Kathmandu today, Roshan Sapkota, the General Manager of Hotel Barahi Kathmandu, announced that the hotel had received a prestigious sustainability award from TOFTiger.

The hotel received remarkablescores in four key criteria of TOFTiger’s eco-footprint rating. The rating acknowledged the hotel’s moderate environmental impact while highlighting its effective integration of environmental and social considerations into its operations, along with well-executed decision-making processes and program management.

TOFTiger’s evaluation focused on several factors. The first criterion assessed social, environmental, and economic aspects, including nature education, construction and interior design, local program participation, adherence to environmental laws, and training. The hotel was rated highly in all of these areas.

The second criterion examined the hotel’s environmental management, specifically its practices in water conservation, waste management, energy savings, and safety standards. The hotel was commended for effectively addressing these issues.

The third criterion evaluated the hotel’s contribution to the local community, including fair wages, the involvement of local labor, the promotion of local skills and cuisine, and the consumption of local products.

The fourth assessment is about socio-economic practice. This includes Corporate Social Responsibilities and promoting local craftsmanship and skills.

The evaluation highlighted the hotel’s extensive efforts in sustainability, including the use of plastic-free bottles, biodegradable materials, and waste segregation systems. The hotel’s adherence to environmental laws, incorporation of eco-friendly materials, promotion of green spaces, accessibility for differently-abled individuals, and support for local agricultural products were also recognized.

Additionally, the hotel’s commitment to cultural preservation, skill development, staff training, and social responsibility initiatives was noted. Efforts in water conservation, cleanliness, water reuse, energy-saving measures, and the use of electric vehicles further demonstrated its eco-conscious approach.

The evaluation also acknowledged the hotel’s focus on women’s empowerment, compliance with safety standards, and the purchase, use, and promotion of local products. Importantly, TOFTiger considered the allocation of profits to social responsibility programs as part of its overall rating.

Corporate Director Yogendra Bikram Thapa expressed pride in the achievement, crediting the dedication of the hotel’s founders, staff, and stakeholders. He emphasized that Hotel Barahi Kathmandu has always prioritized sustainable development.

TekBahadur Mahat, CEO of Hotel Association Nepal, praised the hotel for its efforts in sustainability. He also suggested that Nepal’s Department of Tourism create guidelines for similar certifications in the future.

Yuvika Bhandari, General Secretary of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), highlighted the importance of integrating sustainability into hotel construction and operations. She urged the public to incorporate such practices into daily life for a broader impact.

Sagar Pandey, President of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), stressed the need for hotels to shift their focus from price competition to quality services, following Barahi’s example, to attract more tourists.

Mahendra Poudel, President of Skal Nepal, said Barahi’s efforts would be remembered by eco-conscious tourists. He believed the hotel’s focus on environmental conservation would make it even more popular among visitors.

The hotel has also launched impactful initiatives, such as donation drives for orphanages, cleanup campaigns at culturally significant UNESCO heritage sites, and partnerships with organizations like the Red Cross and Rotary Club to support health campaigns.

In addition to earning the prestigious TOFTiger certification, Hotel Barahi Kathmandu recently received the Gold Award for South Asia’s Best New Hotel from the South Asia Travel Awards (SATA) 2024 and an ‘A’ grade in food safety from the Food Technology and Quality Control Department of Nepal.

Hotel Barahi Kathmandu is part of the Barahi Group’s distinguished portfolio, which includes Barahi Jungle Lodge in Meghauli, Chitwan; Hotel Barahi Pokhara; Aabas Pokhara; and Sarangkot Mountain Lodge in Pokhara, Kaski.Barahi Group remains steadfast in its mission to lead the hospitality industry with a strong focus on sustainability, creating a positive impact on the environment, communities, and culture.