Certification in the travel industry faces scrutiny for its lack of robustness, according to Carolyn Wincer of Travelife for Accommodation.
- The upcoming Travel Convention in Greece will highlight certified sustainability at Costa Navarino, emphasising the importance of credible labels.
- Wincer criticises current certification practices, noting the proliferation of misleading self-certification and AI checks without rigorous inspections.
- Despite confusion, the EU Directive on Green Claims is expected to enhance the integrity of sustainability certifications next year.
- Wincer underscores the role of independent verification and expert inspection in ensuring genuine sustainability in the travel sector.
Certification in the travel industry faces scrutiny for its lack of robustness, according to Carolyn Wincer of Travelife for Accommodation. She expresses concern that numerous sustainability labels lack the necessary rigor and transparency. Wincer highlights the confusion surrounding these certifications and stresses the need for credible and robust sustainability certification, particularly in the travel sector.
The upcoming Travel Convention in Greece will be held at the Travelife-certified Costa Navarino resort. This choice underscores the importance of hosting events at properties with verified sustainability credentials. Wincer commends the decision, noting it as a significant step in demonstrating the value of genuine sustainability certification.
Wincer criticises current certification practices, noting the proliferation of misleading self-certification methods and AI checks that lack thorough inspection. She points out that many labels allow properties to self-certify by submitting documentation online without any site visits. This, she argues, undermines the credibility of sustainability claims within the industry.
Despite the current confusion, Wincer is optimistic about the EU Directive on Green Claims, expected next year. This directive is anticipated to enhance the robustness and clarity of sustainability certifications, helping to cut through the widespread misunderstandings.
Wincer underscores the role of independent verification and expert inspection in ensuring genuine sustainability in the travel sector. She explains that without these, consumers and guests remain in the dark about whether businesses truly adhere to sustainable practices. Independent expert inspections are seen as vital for maintaining the integrity of sustainability efforts.
Wincer provides practical examples to clarify misconceptions about sustainability in accommodations. She illustrates that sustainable certification does not imply the absence of conveniences such as buffets or the immediate removal of single-use plastics but rather a structured plan to improve practices over time.
The conversation around sustainability in travel emphasises the need for credible certification and independent verification to ensure true sustainability.
