TORONTO — Booking.com has launched its Travel Sustainable badge, which is available to any property that has implemented a combination of sustainable practices, allowing travellers to easily identify and select more sustainable accommodations.
To develop this framework, Booking.com collaborated with the Travalyst Coalition, the Travalyst Independent Advisory Group and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council to identify five key areas: waste, energy and greenhouse gases, water, supporting local communities and protecting nature. Properties will be assessed and scored for their sustainability practices, and those that meet the required threshold will receive the first version of the Travel Sustainable badge.
“Building a truly sustainable travel industry will take time, coordination and concerted effort, but progress is possible through continued innovation, partner support and industry collaboration,” says Marianne Gybels, director of Sustainability at Booking.com. “With our Travel Sustainable badge and program, we are recognizing the sustainability efforts of a broader range of properties around the world in a credible and transparent way for consumers. In addition to encouraging properties to strive towards achieving the Travel Sustainable badge, we believe it’s important to demonstrate that there’s a spectrum for sustainability and that there’s value in showcasing the growing number of properties that are at various stages on their individual sustainability journeys. Displaying the practices they have in place makes it easier for everyone to make a more informed and hopefully more sustainable choice for their next trip, no matter where they want to go. Thus, also inspiring even more of our partners to take the next step to operate more sustainably.”
For now, the badge and an overview of individual property sustainability efforts will be visible to travellers on property pages across Booking.com’s website and app. As the rollout continues, the Travel Sustainable icon will also appear on the search results page, as well as a Travel Sustainable filter.
For more information on Booking.com’s Travel Sustainable badge, click here.
