About
The First Star to shine from the inside out.
So here’s the thing. For all the wonderful ways hotels compete for their star ratings (room size, quality of furnishings, guest amenities, restaurants) – there’s nothing that helps travellers identify hotels that treat their own staff and the environment with care.
We think that’s something we can change.
For instance, it takes an army of staff to keep a quality hotel up to scratch. Are those employees treated fairly? Paid a living wage?
Likewise, does a hotel take its commitment to the environment seriously, or do their efforts start and end with those little notes about putting your towels in the bath?
Whether we’re travelling for business or sheer enjoyment, we’d prefer to reward hotels that care – and we reckon there are loads of savvy business and leisure travellers who’d agree.
So we’re starting something new right here in Australia: a program to recognise hotels that are brilliant from the inside out.
We’re calling it The First Star.
What does an ‘ethical hotel’ look like? Well, for starters The First Star symbol will recognise hotels that have signed Fair Work Agreements with their staff, which means staff haven’t been prevented from collectively bargaining for decent wages and working conditions.
Furthermore, we think an ethical hotel embraces environmental leadership – supporting renewable energy and minimising pollution, waste and carbon footprint – all to give guests a fantastic experience while reducing unnecessary damage to the environment.
Ultimately, we reckon the ‘cherry on top’ is Fair Trade-supplied coffee, chocolate, and other essentials inside an ethical hotel’s rooms and restaurants.
We believe hotels are ready to take this next step, and the more travellers demand ethical hotels, the faster hotels will get on board. So register your support here & tell your favourite hotel to sign up!
Because quality isn’t just what you do. It’s how you do it.