Travalyst, supported by major travel platforms, has introduced a list of 49 sustainable accommodation certification schemes complying with its rigorous criteria.
- The initiative aims to harmonise sustainability certifications across global travel booking platforms, providing a more straightforward booking experience for consumers.
- Key partners include industry leaders such as Booking.com, Google, and Visa, enhancing the project’s credibility and reach.
- The listed certifications comply with criteria validated by an Independent Advisory Group, focusing on third-party audits and the social, economic, and environmental impacts.
- This marks the first significant step in Travalyst’s ongoing commitment to improving sustainability information transparency.
Travalyst, a coalition of leading travel technology platforms, has introduced a list of 49 sustainable accommodation certification schemes that meet its criteria. This move aims to enhance consistency among travel booking sites, simplifying the booking process for consumers seeking sustainable options.
Supported by prominent coalition members like Amadeus, Booking.com, Expedia, Google, Mastercard, Sabre, Skyscanner, Travelport, Trip.com, Tripadvisor, and Visa, Travalyst’s initiative is set to reshape industry standards. The involvement of such influential partners strengthens the project’s credibility and widens its impact.
The certification schemes featured in the list include well-known entities like Green Globe, Green Key Global, the Green Leaf Foundation, Fair Trade Tourism, and the EU Ecolabel. These certifications are designed to strengthen credibility and ensure consistent sustainability standards across the travel sector, aiding both consumers and providers.
Travalyst’s chief executive, Sally Davey, acknowledged the complexity and confusion caused by the multitude of sustainability certification bodies globally. “We hear time and time again that this can be overwhelming and confusing, not only for people wanting to book a more sustainable stay, but also for accommodation providers and booking platforms. We’re working to make things simpler and easier to navigate,” she stated.
Davey also outlined that this initiative is the first major milestone in a long-term commitment to improving the integrity of sustainability information for both consumers and the travel industry. The introduced certifications align with three initial criteria set by Travalyst, validated by an Independent Advisory Group. These criteria include third-party audits, public availability of certification standards, and a focus on social, economic, and environmental impacts.
The advisory group, chaired by sustainable tourism consultant Dr Anna Spenceley, comprises experts like sustainability advisor Sarah Holloway and other notable academics and industry leaders. This team’s expertise ensures the initiative’s robustness and alignment with sustainable tourism principles.
The Travalyst initiative is accessible to all sustainability certification schemes for accommodation, reflecting an inclusive approach to promoting sustainable practices in tourism. Established by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, in 2019, Travalyst continues to advance its mission of fostering sustainable tourism practices.
Travalyst’s initiative represents a critical advancement in promoting consistency and credibility in sustainability certifications across the travel industry.
