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InterContinental Muscat has been awarded the Green Key Certification, marking a significant step in the hotel’s sustainability journey as the landmark property prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.
The internationally recognised certification is awarded to tourism and hospitality establishments that meet established standards for environmental responsibility and sustainable operations. At InterContinental Muscat, the recognition reflects a hotel-wide effort to embed sustainability into everyday operations while maintaining the service, comfort and luxury associated with the property.
The certification comes as the hotel approaches five decades as one of Oman’s longstanding luxury hospitality destinations. InterContinental Muscat has continued to modernise its operations while retaining its heritage, with sustainability increasingly forming part of its approach to meeting the expectations of today’s travellers.
The achievement also supports IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Journey to Tomorrow responsible business initiative, which focuses on generating positive environmental and social impact across its operations.
InterContinental Muscat is the second IHG property in Oman to receive Green Key Certification, joining a growing number of hotels within the group adopting recognised sustainability standards. IHG currently operates nine properties in Oman.
In recent years, InterContinental Muscat has introduced a range of measures aimed at improving resource efficiency and reducing its environmental footprint. These include initiatives targeting energy consumption, water conservation, food waste and recycling, alongside efforts to increase the use of responsible and locally sourced products.
The hotel has reduced single-use plastics at several guest touchpoints, introduced systems designed to minimise food waste and installed solar-powered lighting in outdoor areas. Eco-conscious guest amenities and greater use of digital communication have also helped reduce reliance on paper.
Local sourcing forms another part of the programme, with Omani ingredients incorporated across the hotel’s dining operations. The property has also focused on colleague training, sustainability awareness and community engagement as part of its broader environmental strategy.
Sebastian Thomas, General Manager of InterContinental Muscat, described the certification as an important milestone for the property.
“The Green Key Certification is a proud milestone for InterContinental Muscat. For nearly five decades, the hotel has been part of Oman’s hospitality story, welcoming generations of guests with elegance, warmth and care,” he said.
Thomas added that the recognition comes at a significant point in the hotel’s history, as it prepares to mark its 50th anniversary.
“As we look ahead to our 50th anniversary next year, this recognition reinforces our belief that modern luxury must also be responsible luxury,” he said, noting that the hotel aims to balance exceptional guest experiences with greater consideration for the environment, the local community and the future of travel in Oman.
Viji Kunjachan, CHFE and Area Director of Engineering at IHG Oman, said the hotel’s sustainability efforts have focused on practical measures that involve teams across the operation.
“From energy and water management to recycling, food waste reduction, responsible maintenance practices and solar-powered lighting, each initiative supports a more efficient and sustainable operation,” Kunjachan said.
He added that continued progress would depend on measurable action, colleague education and innovation, with sustainability remaining integrated into the way IHG hotels are designed, maintained and operated.
The Green Key certification adds a new dimension to InterContinental Muscat’s legacy as the hotel enters its next chapter, positioning sustainability alongside luxury and heritage as it looks towards its 50th year in Oman.
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