Abraham Group become 1st Israeli chain certified by Global Sustainable Tourism Council
Group’s four hostels rewarded by US-based organization for commitment to sustainability, supporting local community, enhancing cultural heritage, and protecting environment
Sue Surkes is The Times of Israel's environment reporter
The Abraham Group, which has four hostels in Israel, has become the first tourism company in Israel to scoop certification from the US-based Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
Certification is awarded for effective sustainability planning, maximizing social and economic benefits for the local community, enhancing cultural heritage, and reducing negative environmental impacts.
The group operates hostels in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Nazareth and Eilat.
Its impact model focuses on fair employment, social inclusion and cultural tolerance, local and sustainable procurement, and environmental responsibility.
The Tel Aviv hostel sports a green roof as part of a pilot project to counter urban heat, while a tree nursery has been created on the roof of the Jerusalem facility.
It champions social causes, regularly hosts nonprofit organizations, and provides a stage for young local musicians and exhibition spaces for artists exploring pressing social and cultural themes.
It buys from local small and medium enterprises, eschews single-use items in its eateries, and promotes waste reduction.
It exposes visitors to the country’s complexities through tours such as “Dual Narrative,” which takes guests to Hebron and the West Bank to offer perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The hostels employ staff from diverse sectors, ranging from secular and religious to Jews and Arabs, people with special needs, migrants and asylum seekers.
Announcing the news on Facebook on Wednesday, the group said it had worked hard for a year to secure the certification and described it as “a major milestone in our journey to become a leading regional tourism group committed to positive environmental and social impact.”