The award was established more than ten years ago by EHMA – European Hotel Managers Association in collaboration with Diversey – A Solenis Company, which is constantly delivering revolutionary cleaning and hygiene technologies, as they share the same concern and philosophy towards sustainability.
Every year, EHMA and Diversey – A Solenis Company present a Sustainability Award to the General Manager member of the Association who has most successfully implemented innovative sustainability and social responsibility projects during the previous year.
The European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA) is proud to announce that Mr Stephan Stokkermans, Managing Director of Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin and EHMA Vice President and National Delegate for The Netherlands & Belgium, is the winner of the 2026 EHMA Sustainability Award by Diversey. The prestigious accolade, presented by Christoph Steindorf, Business Development Leader, Diversey Europe, recognises exceptional dedication to sustainability while upholding the highest standards of luxury and guest experience.
The award was presented during the Gala Dinner at the 52nd EHMA Annual General Assembly, hosted at the prestigious Savoy in London.
A Groundbreaking Approach to Sustainable Hospitality:
Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin, a compelling expression of “Responsible Luxury”
In a year marked by stronger competition and a noticeable rise in the quality and diversity of sustainability initiatives, Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin distinguished itself through an evidence-led strategy that transforms responsible action into meaningful engagement for both guests and employees. The hotel not only exceeded baseline European sustainability requirements but did so with solutions that are responsible, replicable, and rooted in measurable impact.
“Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin has stood proudly on the Dutch coast for 139 years, and under the Noorlander family’s stewardship we feel a deep responsibility to leave a positive legacy for the generations that follow,” said Stephan Stokkermans. “Since launching our ‘Responsible Luxury’ journey in 2017, sustainability has become as essential to us as five-star service — measured, reported, and independently benchmarked year after year. We are proud to be the first hotel in the Netherlands to achieve EarthCheck Gold Certification in 2025, and we remain firmly committed to reducing our carbon footprint, protecting biodiversity, strengthening circularity, and championing fair employment and local partnerships as we progress toward Net Zero.”
Read more on the press release >
Congratulations Stephan!
