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Hospitality Net
10-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Novotel Partners with Seafood Souq to Implement Comprehensive Traceability Audit Across GCC Hotels
Novotel, a global hospitality leader with a firm commitment to ocean preservation, is delighted to announce the signing of a landmark partnership with global traceability company, Seafood Souq. The partnership will see the implementation of a Seafood Souq (SFS) Audit across 19 Novotel properties in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The project will begin with a two-year commitment. This agreement marks a major step forward in Novotel's commitment to responsible hospitality, supporting the goals of the World Wide Fund for Nature France (WWF France) which align with Accor's broader sustainability ambitions. Through this collaboration, Novotel is dedicated to ensuring that all seafood served in its hotels undergoes a comprehensive traceability audit. This commitment means that 100% of seafood SKUs will be audited for traceability, reinforcing accountability in sustainable sourcing and transparent supply chains. Seafood Souq's suite of traceability solutions are all GDST (Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability) compliant. An internationally recognised framework that supports robust digital traceability and interoperability across seafood supply chains. Recently, Novotel unveiled its first Oceans Impact Report, on the first anniversary of its transformative Ocean Positive Impact Plan and three-year partnership with WWF France. The brand has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the wellbeing and longevity of the ocean with the launch of two new food policies: Novotel's Sustainable Seafood Principles in partnership with WWF France and the launch of a pioneering global Plant-Forward food ambition across 600 hotels. Championing Sustainable Sourcing in Hospitality Novotel is on an ambitious journey to champion responsible seafood practices, within the network and support WWF and Seafood Souq's ambition to eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices by enhancing supply chain transparency and delighting guest with sustainably sourced products. Novotel's adoption of SFS Audit demonstrates proactive leadership, embedding robust traceability checks into daily operations to ensure seafood sourcing aligns with environmental commitments and ethical practices. We are proud to be taking decisive action to protect our oceans, and our latest partnership with Seafood Souq in the Middle East plays an important role in our wider ambition to protect the world's oceans. At Novotel, we are committed to making it easier to make choices that have a positive impact on the longevity of the planet, on marine life, and on future generations. From responsible sourcing to a Plant-Forward approach, our ocean impact strategy is designed to drive real change. Together, we can lead the way toward a healthier, more sustainable future - one positive choice at a time. Jean-Yves Minet, Novotel Global Brand President How the SFS Audit Empowers Novotel Teams Through SFS Audit, Novotel properties will benefit from: Comprehensive auditing of seafood sourcing and supplier practices , ensuring alignment with sustainability goals and responsible purchasing policies , ensuring alignment with sustainability goals and responsible purchasing policies Centralised documentation review and traceability checks , providing full visibility over seafood journeys from origin to plate , providing full visibility over seafood journeys from origin to plate Certification verification , assessing supplier claims against key global benchmarks including the IUCN Red List, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), and other recognised standards , assessing supplier claims against key global benchmarks including the IUCN Red List, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), and other recognised standards Ongoing performance tracking , enabling teams to monitor progress, address gaps, and continuously strengthen compliance and transparency , enabling teams to monitor progress, address gaps, and continuously strengthen compliance and transparency Enhanced supplier accountability , enabling procurement teams to engage constructively with suppliers and flag areas for improvement or risk mitigation , enabling procurement teams to engage constructively with suppliers and flag areas for improvement or risk mitigation Enhanced guest experience and confidence with the capabilities to tell and validate the story of the seafood served to guests at hotel properties. This partnership with Seafood Souq reflects our deep commitment to sustainability across the Middle East and supports Accor's broader goal of reshaping hospitality through responsible practices. The GCC region is a key area of growth and innovation for Accor, and we are proud that 19 Novotel properties here will be among the first to implement the SFS Audit. By embedding traceability at the heart of our seafood sourcing, we not only protect marine ecosystems but also empower our hotel teams and suppliers to champion ethical, transparent choices. This is just the beginning – we are excited about the potential to scale this initiative and drive meaningful impact across our network. Paul Stevens, Chief Operating Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Middle East, Africa & Türkiye at Accor This partnership with Novotel represents a significant shift in how the hospitality sector approaches traceability. With WWF's support, Novotel is now equipped with the tools to make informed, verified sourcing decisions across the GCC and beyond. This helps strengthen supply chain integrity, as well as aligning with global regulatory trends and rising consumer expectations. It sets a clear precedent for the region—and the industry— on what leadership in responsible sourcing truly looks like. Scott Chambers, Co-CEO of Seafood Souq The partnership's first phase focuses on 19 Novotel properties across the GCC, with a shared ambition to expand across additional regions and Accor brands in the future. Bringing Our Commitment to Life As part of on-the-ground efforts to restore marine ecosystems, Novotel Suites Mall Avenue and Novotel Deira Creekside have launched a coral reef planting initiative in Fujairah. Coral reefs are essential to the health of our oceans, providing shelter and breeding grounds for marine life and helping to support stable, sustainable seafood populations. This initiative not only contributes to local biodiversity but also strengthens the hotel's long-term commitment to marine restoration. By nurturing the very habitats vision. that sustain their seafood supply chains; these properties translate Novotel's global ocean-care commitments into tangible local impact. PARTICIPATING HOTELS Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai, UAE Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre, UAE Novotel Bur Dubai, UAE Novotel Bahrain Al Dana Resort, Bahrain Novotel Deira Creekside Dubai, UAE Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan, UAE Novotel Dubai Al Barsha, UAE Novotel Fujairah, UAE Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate, UAE Novotel Dammam Business Park, Saudi Arabia Novotel Jazan, Saudi Arabia Novotel Jeddah Tahlia Street, Saudi Arabia Novotel Yanbu, Saudi Arabia Novotel Riyadh Sahafa, Saudi Arabia Novotel Makkah Thakher City Residences, Saudi Arabia Novotel Makkah Thakher City, Saudi Arabia Novotel Muscat Airport, Oman Novotel Residences Jumeirah Village Triangle, UAE Novotel Suites Mall Avenue Dubai About Seafood Souq Seafood Souq is a UAE-based technology company transforming the seafood industry through digital solutions that enhance traceability, transparency, and efficiency across the supply chain. Our suite of B2B SaaS products empowers stakeholders—from fisheries to retailers—to collect, validate, and analyse key data elements, ensuring responsible sourcing and compliance with global standards About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. Shareena Ali VP PR & Communications Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific Accor
Trade Arabia
22-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Novotel celebrates its ocean commitment with two new programmes
Ahead of World Ocean Day (June 8), Novotel marks the first anniversary of its transformative three-year partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), reaffirming its commitment to protecting the wellbeing and longevity of the ocean with the launch of two new food policies. They include: Novotel's Sustainable Seafood Principles in partnership with WWF France and the launch of a pioneering global Plant-Forward food ambition across 600 hotels. "At Novotel, we are taking decisive action to protect our oceans, and the partnership with WWF is a driving force of this commitment,' said Jean-Yves Minet, Novotel Global Brand President. 'Through their guidance and expertise, we can drive change at scale across our 600 hotels and more widely across the industry and communities we reach. At Novotel, we're committed to making it easier to make choices that have a positive impact on the longevity of the planet, on marine life, and on future generations. From responsible sourcing to a Plant-Forward approach, our ocean impact strategy is designed to drive real change. Together, we can lead the way toward a healthier, more sustainable future - one positive choice at a time." DELICIOUS, HEALTHIER, MORE SUSTAINABLE FOOD The new Sustainable Seafood Principles were created in partnership with WWF and led by the fisheries experts at WWF France. The new guidelines, launched globally across Novotel's 600 hotels, include banning of 350 species of endangered seafood species, and promoting responsible fishing by 2027, serving only MSC-certified wild-caught species or responsibly sourced local fish, and use ASC- or organic-certified farmed seafood for salmon and shrimp, fostering supplier collaboration where needed. WWF France has created Sustainable Seafood Training, a comprehensive global training programme for Novotel chefs, food and procurement teams, and is working alongside Novotel and Accor to improve traceability. Furthermore, Novotel has pioneered a Plant-Forward1 ambition, targeting all its 600 hotels to have a minimum of 25% plant-based menus by 2026. Today 39% of hotels dedicate at least 25% of their menus to plant-forward options. Novotel is committed to offering market leading, tasty, sustainable, and Plant-Forward philosophy at scale, guided by a leading culinary institute. EDUCATION & AWARENESS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION Novotel welcomes more than two million family stays a year and this summer families at Novotel will experience two new edutainment games designed by WWF France and Novotel to inspire and empower children to be ambassadors for the ocean. 'Guardians of the Mediterranean' is an interactive card and digital game inspired by the WWF Blue Panda boat, created to educate families about ocean conservation in a fun, engaging way. 'Sea Turtle' is a lively digital quiz that helps children learn about the threats faced during turtle migration, including ghost gear, plastic and pollution.
Cision Canada
21-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
NOVOTEL CELEBRATES ONE YEAR OF OCEAN COMMITMENT AND SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIP WITH WWF
"At Novotel, we are taking decisive action to protect our oceans, and the partnership with WWF is a driving force of this commitment," said Jean-Yves Minet, Novotel Global Brand President. " Through their guidance and expertise, we can drive change at scale across our 600 hotels and more widely across the industry and communities we reach. At Novotel, we're committed to making it easier to make choices that have a positive impact on the longevity of the planet, on marine life, and on future generations. From responsible sourcing to a Plant-Forward approach, our ocean impact strategy is designed to drive real change. Together, we can lead the way toward a healthier, more sustainable future - one positive choice at a time." DELICIOUS, HEALTHIER, MORE SUSTAINABLE FOOD The new Sustainable Seafood Principles were created in partnership with WWF and led by the fisheries experts at WWF France. The new guidelines, launched globally across Novotel's 600 hotels, include banning of 350 species of endangered seafood species, and promoting responsible fishing by 2027, serving only MSC-certified wild-caught species or responsibly sourced local fish, and use ASC- or organic-certified farmed seafood for salmon and shrimp, fostering supplier collaboration where needed. WWF France has created Sustainable Seafood Training, a comprehensive global training programme for Novotel chefs, food and procurement teams, and is working alongside Novotel and Accor to improve traceability. Furthermore, Novotel has pioneered a Plant-Forward1 ambition, targeting all its 600 hotels to have a minimum of 25% plant-based menus by 2026. Today 39% of hotels dedicate at least 25% of their menus to plant-forward options. Novotel is committed to offering market leading, tasty, sustainable, and Plant-Forward philosophy at scale, guided by a leading culinary institute. EDUCATION & AWARENESS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION Novotel welcomes more than two million family stays a year and this summer families at Novotel will experience two new edutainment games designed by WWF France and Novotel to inspire and empower children to be ambassadors for the ocean. "Guardians of the Mediterranean" is an interactive card and digital game inspired by the WWF Blue Panda boat, created to educate families about ocean conservation in a fun, engaging way. "Sea Turtle" is a lively digital quiz that helps children learn about the threats faced during turtle migration, including ghost gear, plastic and pollution. "Inspiring and educating the next generation is key to protecting our ocean," added Jean-Yves."By engaging young minds through play, we plant the seeds of awareness, empathy, and action for a healthier, more sustainable marine future. As a leading family-friendly hotel brand, Novotel is perfectly placed to champion this vital mission." A YEAR OF PROGRESS: STRENGTHENING NOVOTEL'S COMMITMENT TO THE OCEANS Since its launch in June 2024, Novotel has made significant strides to deliver upon its ocean preservation and sustainable impact plan: 1/ REDUCE IMPACT Novotel's commitment to reducing its impact aligns with Accor's industry-leading mission towards positive hospitality, including: Phasing out single-use plastics across Novotel hotel operations Installing large-format and refillable dispensers in hotels Minimizing food waste through innovative solutions and guest engagement Launched microplastic filter pilots in two Novotel hotels 2 in France to reduce impact from hotel laundry 2/ DELICIOUS, HEALTHIER & MORE SUSTAINABLE FOOD CHOICES In addition to the new Plant-Forward ambition and Sustainable Seafood Principles, Novotel has implemented significant actions: A globally managed Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) was launched in Q1 2025 in collaboration with WWF, including support of the Indian Squid FIP in Kerala, India Launched a partnership with Seafood Souq to ensure all seafood suppliers and products are onboarded to SFS Trace and meet required traceability standards, including an 18-hotel pilot in the Middle East 3. A Seafood Taskforce procurement project has been launched in Europe in collaboration with WWF France, working directly with five suppliers to improve traceability as part of the brand's commitment to support WWF's ambition for sector-wide change throughout the supply chain. 3/ ENHANCE EDUCATION & OCEAN AWARENESS Novotel is committed to raising awareness of the importance of the ocean to modern life, inspiring hotel teams, guests and communities to positively contribute to a more balanced life with the ocean. New global Ocean Awareness Training for all Novotel teams in all 600 hotels, enhancing their knowledge and inspiring their action and commitment. The training has been developed in partnership with AXA Climate. New WWF Sustainable Seafood Training: for all chef, F&B and procurement teams, including the impact of overfishing, sustainable seafood sourcing and best-in-class sustainability practices in restaurants. Edutainment in-hotel events, programming and games to inspire positive action amongst the Novotel community. 4/ CONTRIBUTE TO RESEARCH & INNOVATION Novotel is supporting essential WWF France conservation projects around the world, investing to support ocean impact, research and action through critical projects. 1/ The protection of Posidonia in the Mediterranean Where: Europe Why: Per hectare, the Posidonia meadow sequesters five to seven times more carbon than the tropical forest Status: Action plans underway in 9 coastal cities; 8 mooring fields in project; and 73 buoy conversions completed in 2024 and 41 planned in 2025. 2/ The identification and removal of "ghost gear" Where: Mediterranean Sea Why: Lost, abandoned and otherwise discarded fishing gear are a major threat to marine life Status: Over 1,000 hectares prospected in Bonifacio; several 4 nets identified; pilot retrieval with underwater robots scheduled for 2025–2026; new prospection missions in Calanques and Ajaccio planned. 3/ Supporting the WWF France's Blue Panda boat Where: Europe - France, Greece, Türkiye, Italy and Croatia Why: The Blue Panda sails across the Mediterranean conducting missions to develop science-based solutions and recommendations to protect Mediterranean marine life, to raise public awareness, and leading lobbying missions with countries and communities. Status: 2024 campaign completed across France, Greece, Turkey, Italy and Croatia; educational visits reached 550+ children in France; Cap Cétacés anti-collision system tested; ghost gear prospection and Marine Protection Areas studies conducted; Blue Panda to be in Nice 8–14 June for UNOC with stakeholder events. 4/ Tracking and tracing marine turtles Where: Global, with a specific focus on Asia-Pacific Why: Six of seven species of marine turtles remained threatened by harvesting, illegal trade, being caught by commercial fisheries and the loss of nesting beaches. Mapping nesting beaches, migratory corridors and foraging grounds for critical turtle populations. Status: 'Blue Corridors' initiative launched October 2024; over 12,600 turtles tracked globally; data gathering and connectivity analysis ongoing in 2025; update to be published by WWF at UNOC 2025. 5/ Protecting the sea turtles of the Western Atlantic Where: Guiana Shield Why: Mobilising civic society and fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing will help protect leatherback turtles breeding on coastal areas of the Guianas, and green and olive ridley turtles from Brazil to Venezuela. Status: Youth ambassador programme launched; regional delegation to attend UNOC in June 2025; field projects including eco-guide training, citizen science, and advocacy actions ongoing through 2025-2026. Ludovic Frère Escoffier, Ocean Program Manager, WWF France, said: "Protecting the ocean also means protecting our common future. Faced with the growing threats of overfishing, pollution and loss of biodiversity, economic players have a key role to play. We welcome Novotel's commitment to integrating the preservation of marine ecosystems into its strategy. By collaborating with influential companies in the tourism sector, together we are accelerating the transition to more sustainable, responsible practices that are compatible with ocean resilience." "The ocean is our planet's greatest source of balance - the 'lungs of the world'," added Jean-Y ves Minet. "It regulates climate, supports livelihoods, and protects ecosystems. But that balance is at risk. To secure a sustainable future, we must rebalance our relationship with the oceans, reducing our impact and ensuring marine health. Our wellbeing is deeply tied to the health of the ocean. Protecting the ocean isn't just about the environment, it's about supporting human health and longevity too." WHAT'S NEXT FOR NOVOTEL? POSITIVE STEPS TO IMPACT OCEAN LONGEVITY Looking ahead, Novotel remains committed to amplifying its impact by: Collaborating with industry leaders at UN Ocean Conference in Nice to drive meaningful change WWF Sustainable Seafood Training – launching summer 2025 Ocean Awareness Training in partnership with AXA Climate – launching summer 2025 Expanding sustainable seafood practices across all hotels Embedding a new Plant-Forward menu strategy in all hotels Introducing new guest engagement programs focused on ocean preservation Continuing to support critical WWF France ocean preservation projects around the world For more information about Novotel's sustainability initiatives, learn our partnership with WWF, and to read the Novotel Ocean Impact Report in full, visit Novotel - Ocean 6 DELICIOUS PLANT-BASED DISHES @ NOVOTEL HOTELS 1. Azzurra Kitchen @ Novotel Monte Carlo. a. Beetroot and Chickpea Hummus with Tahini, Fresh Herbs, spring vegetables and purslane shoots. 2. MOKU @ Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort a. Green Paw Paw Salad with green paw paw & carrot, avocado, soft herbs, edamame, nam jim dressing, cassava crackers & charred lime 3. Novotel Melbourne Airport – Boccata Restaurant & Bar a. Rigatoni with Confit Tomatoes, Stracciatella and Pangrattato 4. Bokan @ Novotel London Canary Wharf a. Black Lime Tofu, Dashi Broth with an Onion and Spinach Marmalade – part of the vegan tasting experience and vegan bottomless brunch 5. Flying Elephant @ Novotel Dubai Al Barsha a. Zameen Ke Kebab, honey glazed beet, spicy mascarpone, Masala plum coilee 6. Ici&là @ Novotel Strasbourg Centre Halles a. Quinoa Lover Burger with quinoa-chili galette, Alsacian cheddar, pesto rosso, aubergine, courgette and green salad Images: CLICK HERE Notes to editors 1 Plant-Forward Definition: Plant-Forward, which includes vegetarian, vegan and Flexitarian diets, is a lifestyle choice reaping the health and sustainability benefits of vegetarian and vegan eating while still enjoying animal products, such as meat, fish, and dairy, in moderation. 2 Novotel Hotels participating in microplastic pilot: Novotel Reims Tinqueux and Novotel Lens Noyelles 3 18 Novotel Hotels participating in the Seafood Souk: 1 hotel in Bahrain, 1 hotel in Oman, 7 hotels in Saudi Arabia, 9 hotels in UAE 4 Exact number of nets identified to be communicated by WWF France after May 23rd About Novotel Novotel Hotels, Suites & Resorts offers high-quality hotels designed as comforting and energising places where guests can achieve balance in their busy lives, whether they are traveling for work, leisure or a blend of both. The brand's wide array of hotels, suites and resorts offer a multitude of services, including spacious, modular rooms with natural and intuitive design; relaxed restaurants with nutritious choices; flexible workspaces; attentive and proactive staff; family zones for the youngest guests; multi-purpose lobbies; and accessible fitness centres. Novotel, which has over 590 locations in more than 60 countries is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,600 properties throughout more than 110 countries. Novotel is also a participating brand in ALL, a booking platform and lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
