Travalyst has unveiled a verified listing of 49 globally reputable sustainability certification schemes for accommodations.
- The coalition, spearheaded by leading travel technology firms, seeks to enhance credibility and consistency in sustainability certifications.
- High-profile brands such as Amadeus, Booking.com, and Expedia back this initiative.
- Three critical criteria have been established to ensure integrity and transparency in certifications.
- This initiative represents a significant milestone towards more sustainable travel offerings.
In a pivotal move, Travalyst has announced a comprehensive list of 49 sustainability certification schemes for accommodations worldwide. This initiative, formed by a coalition of prominent travel technology platforms, aims to bolster credibility and maintain consistency in the sustainability certifications available to consumers. This effort is supported by notable industry players, including Amadeus, Booking.com, Expedia, Google, and Visa, among others.
The certification schemes recognised by Travalyst encompass a diverse range of globally acknowledged programmes such as Green Globe, Green Key Global, and the EU Ecolabel. The intention is to streamline the process for both consumers seeking sustainable options and for accommodation providers who are keen to demonstrate their commitments effectively. Travalyst’s chief executive, Sally Davey, emphasised the complexity faced by consumers and providers due to the multitude of existing certifications, highlighting this initiative as an essential step towards simplifying navigation in this area.
Explicit criteria underpinning this list include the necessity for a third-party audit, the availability of public standards on which certifications are based, and a thorough evaluation of the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the properties. These criteria have been rigorously validated by Travalyst’s Independent Advisory Group, ensuring the highest standards of sustainability are met.
Dr. Anna Spenceley, a lead consultant in sustainable tourism, chairs the advisory group, consisting of experts like Sarah Holloway and Dr. Susanne Becken, who bring extensive expertise in tourism and sustainability. Their involvement assures that the evaluation processes are both robust and impartial, offering credibility to the certification schemes.
By removing barriers related to access, Travalyst opens this initiative to all certification bodies, offering them a chance to align with its standards. Established by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, in 2019, the Travalyst coalition continues to make strides in promoting sustainable tourism practices across the globe.
This initiative sets a precedent for greater coherence in sustainable travel certifications, paving the way for a more environmentally conscious industry.
