Novotel Deepens Ocean Commitment with WWF Partnership, New Food Policies Ahead of World Ocean Day
Ahead of World Ocean Day on June 8th, Novotel proudly announces the first anniversary of its significant three-year partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Reaffirming its dedication to ocean protection, Novotel is launching two impactful new food policies: "Novotel’s Sustainable Seafood Principles" in collaboration with WWF France, and a pioneering global "Plant-Forward" food ambition across its 600 hotels.
Jean-Yves Minet, Novotel Global Brand President, emphasized the brand's decisive action: "Through WWF's guidance and expertise, we can drive change at scale across our 600 hotels and more widely across the industry and communities we reach." The new Sustainable Seafood Principles, developed with WWF France, ban 350 endangered seafood species and promote responsible fishing by 2027, endorsing MSC-certified wild-caught species and ASC/organic-certified farmed seafood. Novotel is also committed to a Plant-Forward ambition, aiming for a minimum of 25% plant-based menus in all hotels by 2026, with 39% already meeting this target.
Beyond food, Novotel is fostering education and awareness. This summer, families can engage with two new edutainment games designed by WWF France and Novotel: "Guardians of the Mediterranean" and "Sea Turtle," inspiring children to be ocean ambassadors.
Over the past year, Novotel has made significant strides in its ocean preservation plan, including phasing out single-use plastics, minimizing food waste, launching microplastic filter pilots, and initiating Fishery Improvement Projects. The brand is also enhancing ocean awareness through global training for its teams and supporting crucial WWF France conservation projects such as protecting Posidonia meadows, removing "ghost gear," backing the Blue Panda boat, and tracking marine turtles.
"Protecting the ocean also means protecting our common future," stated Ludovic Frère Escoffier, Ocean Program Manager, WWF France, commending Novotel's commitment. Jean-Yves Minet reiterated the ocean's vital role as the "lungs of the world" and Novotel's dedication to rebalancing humanity's relationship with it for a sustainable future. Looking ahead, Novotel will continue collaborating with industry leaders, expanding sustainable practices, and engaging guests in ocean preservation.
