About Us
what we do, and why
Our Story
With a combined 30 years experience in the operations and distribution of luxury accommodation brands in Asia and Europe as well as in sustainable tourism programs we are focused on delivering high-value service to operators and their guests. This experience embedded in us the four pillars of luxury hospitality: innovation, know-how, excellence and tradition.
Over time and influenced by personal aspirations, we realised that all of us need to seek a greater balance between our impact and the ecosystem (both on a personal and business level). In light of the current challenges and consumer trends for a different way of living, this approach generates a higher value proposition for all stakeholders. This inspired the design and launch of our responsible tourism standard dedicated to small luxury properties.
The QALIA set of criteria is designed for the gradual implementation of responsible and transformative practices without compromising the essence of luxury hospitality. This approach empowers property owners, operators and guests to adopt a more conscious mindset or conscious luxury. Consequently, this leads to more meaningful experiences and impacts.
Our Mission
We are committed to simplify, democratise and accelerate the widespread adoption of responsible tourism practices across small luxury accommodations. Through our certification programmes, we empower luxury rentals and B&Bs, and boutique hotels to lead by example.
We also strive to accelerate guest awareness of conscious luxury by showcasing the value and appeal of certified properties. Through strategic partnerships with media and peers in the travel industry, we amplify the visibility of these exceptional accommodations and their commitment to sustainability.
Our mission extends beyond certification. We collaborate with like-minded tourism and hospitality professionals to inspire broader industry adoption of responsible practices. Together, we aim to create meaningful change, encouraging accommodations to embark on and sustain their journey toward a more responsible and impactful approach.
With a shared commitment to leadership, innovation, and purpose, we envision a new era of conscious luxury hospitality—one that delivers meaningful outcomes for all stakeholders while preserving the beauty and integrity of our planet.
Marc RIBAIL, CEO | QALIA
Nicola FERRARIO, Chief Sustainability Officer | QALIA
Reaching excellence in responsible hospitality
Conscious luxury is the biggest differentiator in high-end hospitality
Luxury tourism is evolving at a fast pace towards a culture of social and environmental responsibility to meet the demand for conscious, forward-thinking practices, experiences and properties.
We understand that implementing responsible practices is a “journey” in itself. For this reason, the specialist team at QALIA works closely with each property to implement a bespoke action plan and ensure the validation of the criteria by third-party auditors within our responsible tourism framework.
Once verified, each luxury property becomes part of a community of like-minded individuals and organisations who share a common goal of shifting from a transactional model to a transformative one.
Get in touch!
It all starts with a conversation when we will be happy to share our views and how our partnership with your property will work.
Email Us
- Marc Ribail (CEO):
marc@qalia.org - Nicola Ferrario (CSO):
nicola@qalia.org - Sander van de Riet (Asia office):
sander@qalia.org
- Marc Ribail:
+33 (0) 7 50 02 11 03 - Nicola Ferrario:
+39 378 067 2195 - Sander van de Riet:
+852 6011 1081
Meet with Us
Please see our contact page to meet with us during the 2025 conferences