Radisson’s First Net Zero Hotel in Africa Signals Shift From Leased to Managed Properties

Radisson has unveiled its first net zero hotel in Africa — and the owner, rather than the brand, is paying for it in expectation of a quick payback from higher rates.

The 138-room Radisson Safari Hoedspruit, near Kruger National Park in South Africa, is the group’s 10th Verified Net Zero Hotel, following four other recent additions, and one of the first managed properties in the program.

Verified Net Zero is Radisson’s own program that is independently verified by certification organization TÜV Rheinland. It requires hotels to use renewable energy, through electrification and renewable power purchases, to cut Scope 3 emissions, and to cover what’s left with carbon removal credits.

Until now, Radisson’s net zero hotels have mostly been leased properties, with costs on the group’s own books. Radisson plans to extend the scheme to more managed and franchised hotels from next year, as it works toward 100 Verified Net Zero Hotels by 2030.