Rosselli – AX Privilege and AX The Saint John Certified to the GSTC Hotel Standard by RoyalCert

AX Hotels Valletta properties mark an important milestone in their commitment to sustainable and responsible hospitality. 

AX Hotels Valletta is proud to announce that Rosselli – AX Privilege and AX The Saint John have been certified to the GSTC Hotel Standard by GSTC-accredited certification body RoyalCert, marking an important step in their ongoing commitment to responsible tourism. 

Located in the heart of Malta’s capital, both properties offer distinct hospitality experiences while sharing a common responsibility towards the environment, the local community and the preservation of Valletta’s cultural heritage .

Speaking about the achievement, Kevin Callus, Senior General Manager, commented:

“Being certified to the GSTC Hotel Standard across both Rosselli – AX Privilege and AX The Saint John is an important milestone for AX Hotels Valletta. It reflects the collective efforts of our teams and our commitment to making responsible hospitality part of how we operate every day. While we are proud of this recognition, we also see it as encouragement to keep improving and building on the progress we have made.”

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council establishes internationally recognised standards for sustainable travel and tourism. Independent certification bodies accredited by GSTC assess organisations against these standards; for Rosselli – AX Privilege and AX The Saint John, the certification was carried out by RoyalCert. The GSTC Hotel Standard addresses four key areas: sustainable management, social and economic benefits for local communities, cultural heritage preservation and environmental responsibility. 

Certification confirms that both properties conform to the relevant requirements of the GSTC Hotel Standard and recognises their commitment to incorporating responsible practices into everyday hotel operations. 

For AX Hotels Valletta, this certification forms part of a wider journey towards continuously improving how hospitality is delivered, while considering its impact on the destination and the people who call it home.

As properties located within Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage city, Rosselli – AX Privilege and AX The Saint John share a close connection with their historic surroundings. 

Rosselli – AX Privilege occupies a restored 17th century palazzo on Merchants Street, combining its architectural heritage with contemporary five-star hospitality. AX The Saint John offers a distinctive boutique experience, similarly rooted in the history and character of the capital. 

For both hotels, responsible tourism extends beyond environmental considerations. It also means respecting Valletta’s identity, supporting its community and contributing positively to the destination that guests travel to experience. 

Claire Xuereb, Director of Care & Hospitality, highlighted this wider responsibility: 

“For us, responsible hospitality goes beyond environmental practices. It is also about caring for our people, supporting the communities around us and respecting the heritage of the places in which we operate. Being based in Valletta brings a particular responsibility to preserve what makes the city special, while ensuring that our hospitality contributes positively to its future.”

Behind this achievement is the collective effort of the teams at Rosselli – AX Privilege and AX The Saint John. 

From resource management and operational practices to guest experiences and community engagement, sustainability requires collaboration across departments and a shared understanding of its importance. 

Fabien Sant Fournier, Hotel Manager, reflected on the role of the teams in achieving this milestone: 

“Sustainability is something that needs to be considered in the decisions we make every day, from how we manage our resources to how we work together as a team. This certification reflects the commitment shown by our colleagues across both properties, who have embraced these practices while continuing to deliver the level of hospitality our guests expect.” 

The certification provides an opportunity to recognise the work undertaken across both hotels, while reinforcing the importance of maintaining these practices and identifying opportunities for further improvement. 

As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, responsible tourism remains an important consideration for travellers and hospitality providers alike. 

For AX Hotels Valletta, certification to the GSTC Hotel Standard represents another step towards balancing quality hospitality with care for the environment, local heritage and surrounding communities. 

While this milestone is one to celebrate, the commitment does not end with certification. Rosselli – AX Privilege and AX The Saint John will continue working towards more responsible practices, ensuring that their approach to hospitality considers not only the experience of today’s guests, but also the future of the destination they call home.