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Booking.com is stepping up its game in promoting sustainability within the hospitality industry by offering crucial support to hotels seeking third-party sustainability certifications. Recognizing the financial burden associated with certification processes, the online travel platform has revamped its approach to ease the path for hotel partners. This initiative includes sharing valuable resources and connections to funders, enabling a more sustainable future for accommodations across the globe.
Booking.com is stepping up its game in the realm of sustainability by assisting hotels in obtaining third-party sustainability certifications. Acknowledging the financial pressures that certifications can impose, especially on independent hotels in Europe, the platform is now sharing insights into organizations that offer funding and discounts for these vital certifications. Their revamped approach aims to not only support hotel partners but also to enhance traveler experiences by highlighting certified sustainable options on its platform.
Revamped Sustainability Program
Recently, Booking.com has modified its sustainability program to provide better assistance to hotel partners seeking third-party certifications. The changes came as a response to the rising demand from travelers who increasingly prefer sustainable accommodations. By partnering with organizations like BeCause, the company aims to facilitate data sharing between properties and certification providers. This collaboration is designed to streamline the process and help hotels access the necessary resources for obtaining certifications like Sustonica, Green Key Global, and EU Eco Label.
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Cost Considerations for Independent Hotels
A significant barrier for many hotel partners, particularly independent hotels in Europe, has been the cost associated with sustainability certifications. These expenses can range from $100 to several thousand dollars annually. In response, Booking.com has committed to guiding hotels toward options that provide funding and discounts. This initiative is crucial in democratizing access to sustainability standards, allowing all types of lodging facilities to participate in eco-friendly practices.
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Ongoing Education and Awareness
To complement financial support, Booking.com plans to furnish hotels with practical tips tailored to their specific properties and locations. This education effort aims to empower hotel owners with knowledge about the certification processes and how to successfully navigate them. Insights on what constitutes a quality certification can reshape how hotels approach sustainability.
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New Features and Certification Displays
As part of its sustainability overhaul, Booking.com is moving away from previously used green symbols that were critiqued as potentially misleading. Instead, the platform will focus on prominently displaying third-party certifications for participating properties. Travelers will now have the option to filter searches based on sustainability certifications, which can accelerate the visibility of eco-friendly hotels. Currently, around 18,000 properties showcase their sustainability credentials, a number that Booking.com is eager to expand significantly.
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Addressing Certification Consistency in the Industry
Despite the positive steps being implemented, a challenge remains: the inconsistencies among numerous certification vendors in the hospitality sector. According to Danielle D’Silva, Booking.com’s director of sustainability, a broader conversation is needed within the industry to unify certification standards and make them more recognizable for travelers. As sustainability certifications proliferate, establishing a cohesive approach could benefit both hotels and consumers seeking assurance in their choices.
Supporting Hotel Partners with Resources
Booking.com is dedicated to identifying the most effective ways to assist its hotel partners in this sustainability journey. By conducting thorough assessments of barriers faced by accommodations, the company aims to determine whether education, funding, or a combination of both is required. The ultimate goal is to make the process of obtaining certifications manageable and impactful.
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Getting Certified and Making a Difference
Efforts toward sustainability are not only about achieving certifications; they also result in cultivating a broader mindset focused on environmental responsibility. As Booking.com continues to enhance its offerings for hoteliers, there is potential for more properties to join the sustainability movement, positively influencing both the hospitality industry and the planet.
A Step Forward for the Industry
Overall, Booking.com’s initiative signifies a progressive move towards sustainability within the hospitality sector, providing essential resources for hotels while encouraging a shift in traveler preferences towards greener choices. With ongoing support and robust partnerships, the vision of a more sustainable future in travel appears increasingly attainable.
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Comparison of Booking.com’s Sustainability Support Initiatives
| Initiative | Description |
| Certification Assistance | Booking.com will guide hotels in obtaining third-party sustainability certifications. |
| Cost Support | Information on funding and discounts for certification costs will be provided. |
| Partnership with BeCause | Allows data sharing between properties and certification organizations. |
| Targeted Advice | Tips will be shared based on property types and locations for better certification chances. |
| Sustainability Features Update | Revamped program focuses on clear display of certifications instead of scoring systems. |
| Search Filters | Travelers can filter accommodations with sustainability certifications easily. |
| Industry Collaboration | Efforts to ensure consistency among various certification providers across the industry. |
In a move towards enhancing sustainability within the hospitality sector, Booking.com has revamped its program to assist hotels in obtaining third-party sustainability certifications. Recognizing the barriers faced by hospitality partners, particularly the often significant costs of certification, the online travel giant has announced plans to provide valuable resources and connections to funding opportunities.
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Understanding the Program Changes
Booking.com has modified its existing sustainability program to place a greater emphasis on helping hotel partners acquire recognized certifications. As part of this initiative, the platform will share information on organizations offering financial support and discounts for certification processes. With fees often varying from $100 to several thousand dollars annually, this support is particularly crucial for many independent hotels across Europe.
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Partnership with BeCause
To further this commitment, Booking.com has partnered with BeCause, which will facilitate the sharing of data between properties and certification providers. While there are numerous sustainability providers available, Booking.com intends to highlight select partners such as Sustonica, Green Key Global, and EU Eco Label. This targeted approach aims to simplify the process for hotels seeking to improve their sustainability credentials.
Providing Tailored Support
The platform plans to offer tailored tips to hotels based on their specific property types and locations, helping them navigate the certification process. This new approach is currently in the testing phase, allowing Booking.com to gather insights on the most effective ways to support its partners in achieving meaningful certifications.
Impact on the Hospitality Industry
Danielle D’Silva, Booking.com’s director of sustainability, stated that understanding the various barriers hotels face is crucial. “We need to identify the levers we can work on to effectively assist accommodations,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of education, awareness, and funding options in this process.
Revamping the Sustainability Features
As part of its overhaul, Booking.com has moved away from its previous Travel Sustainable program due to criticism that it was “possibly misleading.” Instead, it now focuses on displaying accommodations with verified third-party certifications. Travelers can filter their searches to identify certified properties, enhancing transparency in the booking process.
The Road Ahead for Certified Hotels
Currently, around 18,000 properties on Booking.com have achieved sustainability certifications, a small fraction of the total listings on the platform. The company’s goal is to significantly increase this number, reflecting a growing interest among travelers—45% of whom find sustainable accommodations more appealing, according to recent surveys.
However, the challenge remains regarding the multitude of certification vendors and their various standards, which need to be standardized across the industry. This calls for a collective effort to ensure clearer guidelines and a more coherent recognition of sustainable practices among hotels.
For more insights, you can read the full details here.
- Sustainability Program Update: Booking.com is enhancing its program to assist hotels in gaining sustainability certifications.
- Cost Concerns: Certification costs can vary significantly, from as low as $100 to several thousand dollars annually.
- Partnership with BeCause: This collaboration enables properties and certification providers to share information at scale.
- Targeted Support: Hotels will receive tailored tips based on their specific property types and locations.
- Focus on Third-Party Certifications: Booking.com aims to direct hotels to recognized certifying bodies like Sustonica and Green Key Global.
- Testing Phase: The new sustainability approach is currently in testing to determine effective support mechanisms for accommodations.
- Increased Visibility: Accommodations with certifications will benefit from enhanced visibility on the Booking.com platform.
- Travelers’ Interest: A significant portion of travelers find sustainable properties increasingly appealing, suggesting market viability.
- Industry Standardization Needed: There’s a call for consistency across different sustainability certifications in the travel industry.
Booking.com is taking notable steps to enhance its sustainability initiatives by aiding hotels in achieving third-party sustainability certifications. Recognizing the financial barriers that independent hotels, especially in Europe, often face, the platform will now provide access to resources and support to help these accommodations obtain the necessary certifications that reflect their commitment to sustainable practices.
Financial Support for Sustainability Certifications
The cost of obtaining sustainability certifications can significantly vary, ranging from $100 to several thousand dollars annually. To alleviate some of this financial burden, Booking.com has announced that it will offer information about organizations that provide funding and discounts for these certifications. This proactive approach can help many independent hotels that struggle with operational expenses while striving to meet sustainability standards.
Partnering with BeCause for Data Sharing
In a strategic move, Booking.com has partnered with BeCause to facilitate data sharing between properties and certification providers. This collaboration will enable hotels to access relevant information on potential certification providers, which include established names like Sustonica, Green Key Global, and EU Eco Label. By presenting a curated list of options, Booking.com makes it easier for hotels to navigate the certification landscape effectively.
Personalized Guidance for Hotels
Booking.com is also focusing on delivering personalized tips for hotels aiming for sustainability certification. By considering factors such as the hotel’s type and location, the platform will tailor recommendations that align with each property’s unique characteristics. This personalized support can empower hotels to better understand the certification process and the actions they need to undertake to qualify.
Testing New Approaches
The company is currently piloting these new initiatives. As noted by Danielle D’Silva, the director of sustainability at Booking.com, the goal is to identify the primary barriers hotels face and determine how the platform can best support them. Whether it’s education, awareness, funding, or a mix of these elements, this testing phase will guide future strategies to enhance the effectiveness of sustainability efforts within the hospitality industry.
Transitioning to Clear Certification Displays
To improve transparency, Booking.com has shifted away from using ambiguous green badges and sustainability scores. Instead, accommodations displaying third-party certifications will prominently showcase this information on their listings. Such changes enhance consumer trust and allow travelers to make better-informed decisions when selecting sustainable accommodations.
Traveler Appeal for Sustainable Properties
Recent surveys indicate that a significant 45% of travelers find accommodations labeled as more sustainable to be increasingly appealing. This growing consumer interest means hotels that achieve sustainability certifications could attract more guests seeking eco-friendly options. To meet this demand, it is essential for Booking.com to facilitate a smoother and more informative path toward certification.
Addressing Industry-Wide Certification Standards
A noted challenge in the tourism and hospitality sector is the proliferation of various certifications, which can confuse consumers. D’Silva emphasizes the need for the industry to work together to develop consistent certification standards. Clear and unified certifications will not only aid travelers in making informed choices but also enhance the credibility of sustainability claims made by accommodations.
In summary, Booking.com is advancing its sustainability efforts by providing hotels with essential resources, personalized support, and clarity in showcasing certifications. By championing these initiatives, the platform is poised to play a crucial role in promoting sustainable hospitality practices across the industry.
