Heart program
What is it?
Heart – Hospitality, Environment, and Responsible Tourism – is the Corporate Program for Social Responsability and Environmental Sustainability of the Portuguese Hotel Association.
Its objective is to guide the dedication and commitment of AHP’s members and partners towards a common cause: promoting the sustainability of Hospitality and Tourism by focusing on three vectors: social, environmental, and economic.
How it began
In 2013, AHP launched the initiative “One Mattress, One Heart” to donate used but well-preserved hotel mattresses to social institutions. This action evolved into the HOSPES Program, which, until November 2024, created a strong connection between the hotel sector and the community, solidifying a commitment to sustainable development and social well-being.
Today, we are HEART. Building on the spirit of HOSPES, we’ve increased our ambitions. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we’ve expanded the program, diversified responses, and adopted the principles of the Circular Economy wherever possible, fostering a more sustainable future grounded in trusted partnerships.
The HEART program adopts ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) criteria in its actions, promoting responsible practices that integrate environmental sustainability, social commitment, and ethical governance, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
HEART is based on two pillars
Social Responsibility “We Share” - Reintegrating hotel goods and equipment, in good condition, into the social economy; Inclusive Employment and Corporate Volunteering.
Environmental Sustainability “We Care” - Supported by the principles of reuse, reduction, and recycling, it promotes best practices in waste collection, treatment, and transformation in the hospitality sector.
Public Recognition
Shortlisted for the EEPA in Category 5, "Supporting the Development of Green Markets and Resource Efficiency."
National Winner of the EEPA in Category 6, "Responsible & Inclusive Entrepreneurship."
National Tourism Award in the Responsible Tourism category.
Shortlisted for the Ethics Awards of the World Tourism Organization.
Honorable Mention for Tourism Merit by the Portuguese Government.
Honorable Mention in the EPAL Best Practices Program “Corrente pela Água.”