Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFT Tigers) has certified Barahi Hotel Kathmandu with the prestigious ‘Eco Footprint’ certification for excellence in sustainable practices. The certification, valid from September 2024 to August 2027, recognizes the hotel as an outstanding accommodation provider based on multiple environmental and social criteria.
At a ceremony held on Sunday, Barahi Hotel’s General Manager, Roshan Sapkota, highlighted the hotel’s achievements. He explained that the certification followed a rigorous evaluation of the hotel’s environmental impact, operational sustainability, and adherence to eco-friendly practices. TOFT Tigers’ evaluation included four key criteria: environmental awareness, ecological practices, economic practices, and social-cultural impact.
Highlights of Evaluation
- Environmental Practices: The hotel demonstrated effective water conservation, waste management, energy efficiency, and use of biodegradable materials. It also promoted green spaces and adhered to environmental regulations.
- Ecological Design: The property incorporated inclusive designs, such as wheelchair-accessible rooms and facilities for disabled guests, ensuring universal access.
- Economic Contributions: The hotel prioritized local employment, promoted local skills and cuisine, and supported local agricultural produce.
- Social-Cultural Impact: Barahi Hotel actively engaged in preserving local culture by promoting Mithila artwork, sculptures, and handicrafts. Additionally, it fulfilled its corporate social responsibilities by supporting orphanages, organizing clean-up drives, and contributing to education and healthcare initiatives.
Barahi Hotel Kathmandu, part of Barahi Hospitality, was launched in July 2023. The group also operates Barahi Hotel Pokhara, Sarangkot Mountain Lodge, Aabas Pokhara, and Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan, which has already earned eco-certification. Other properties in the group are currently undergoing the certification process.
The hotel’s efforts in sustainable development have been widely lauded. Tek Bahadur Mahat, CEO of Hotel Association Nepal, emphasized the need for governmental certification standards to promote sustainable tourism. Similarly, NATTA Secretary-General Yuvika Bhandari called for incorporating sustainable practices in everyday life, while TAAN President Sagar Pandey urged hotels to focus on quality over price competition to attract high-value tourists.
Barahi Hotel Kathmandu’s achievements have also gained regional recognition. The hotel won the Gold Award for Best New Hotel at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2024 and earned an A-grade classification for food safety standards from Nepal’s Department of Food Technology and Quality Control.
With its commitment to sustainability, Barahi Hotel Kathmandu is not only setting a benchmark for eco-friendly hospitality but is also strengthening Nepal’s reputation as a sustainable tourism destination.