a&o Releases 2024 Sustainability Report
London, August, 27, 2025 – a&o Hotels, one of Europe’s largest privately owned budget chains, has released its third Sustainability Report, providing insights into the company’s ESG strategy. Since measurements began in 2015, a&o has reduced CO2 emissions by more than 75%, now averaging around 3.65 kilograms per overnight stay.
Speaking on the release of the 2024 sustainability report, Arben Maliqi, ESG Director at a&o, commented: “Our focus is on direct, verifiable emission reductions within our own operations and value chain. This means measurable actions: optimising energy efficiency, expanding renewable energy adoption, reducing waste, and working with suppliers to achieve measurable emissions reductions – rather than external offset-based solutions.”
a&o Key Achievements 2024:
93% of a&o properties are conversions of existing buildings for environmental efficiency.
Of the 43 current properties operated by a&o in 30 cities across ten European countries, 40 are converted buildings – including former offices, factories, administrative spaces and more. a&o continues to invest in energy-efficient renovations, aiming for at least energy efficiency class C for every building. In 2024, nine sustainability audits were carried out across a&o properties. a&o Edinburgh City achieved a 90% conformity rate, becoming the second property to reach this milestone after a&o Venezia Mestre. Speaking on the findings, Maliqi said: “Together, we can shape a more sustainable and equitable future for the travel and hospitality industry.”
Social Responsibility: Education, Culture, Community
Alongside environmental initiatives, a&o maintains a strong commitment to social engagement:
o a&o Insektenhostel in Frankfurt (with City of Frankfurt and Fresenius University)
o Partnership with SOS-Kinderdorf Berlin on creative/nature wish-tree campaign
o Expansion of SDG learning displays across all hostels
‘Travel Should Be Accessible to Everyone’
a&o Founder and CEO Oliver Winter, who founded the company 25 years ago, reinforced the importance of keeping travel accessible: “When I look back on the journey we began in 2000, I remember a simple but strong conviction: travel should be accessible to everyone – it broadens horizons, strengthens tolerance and inspires new ideas and projects.”
Founded in 2000 by Oliver Winter, a&o currently operates 42 hostels with around 30,000 beds in 28 cities across 11 European countries. A further two properties are set to open in the near future. The a&o guest mix is diverse, welcoming backpackers, solo travellers, families, school groups, and associations. The number of business travellers and senior guests is also increasing. In 2024, a&o achieved a record company performance, surpassing the record set in the previous year. Demonstrating strong year-on- year-growth, a&o recorded 6.2 million overnight stays (2023: 6.1 million), 2.8 million guests (2023: 2.7 million), and £192.7 million in revenue (2023: £179.9 million). As part of its commitment to a robust sustainability strategy, a&o aims to reduce CO₂e emissions per overnight stay.
For more information, visit www.aohostels.com or find an overview of all a&o locations at www.aohostels.com/en/all-locations.
Active Duty and Retired Service Members Can Enjoy Up to $250 Per Person Discount on…
New research reveals travelers are becoming more selective, raising expectations for tours, activities and attractions …
Webinar Highlights “Employee to Entrepreneur” Path in the Growing Travel Industry Fort Lauderdale, Fla.…
Theme launch marks the opening of conference registration (Senior travel executives who register before May…
What the Big Players Don't Want You to Know About Home-Based Agents Written By: Tom…
Financial uncertainty and price are the main barriers in travel decision-making, especially for long-haul trips,…