The role of certification in the sustainability of the travel industry

Booking.com asked Ms. Emmanuelle Maire, Director at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment, to present the EU Ecolabel and EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) sustainability certifications, so that partner accommodations can understand the role of certification in the sustainability of the travel industry.

Here is Ms. Emmanuelle Maire’s article...

As the European Union moves towards its ambitious goal of climate neutrality by 2050, the hospitality industry is at a critical turning point. As Director-General for Environment at the European Commission, I am pleased to share with you how accommodation providers can lead this transformation by demonstrating their excellence through EU certifications.

Two powerful EU sustainability certifications

I would recommend that accommodation providers consider two of the European Union’s trusted labels that can help tourism businesses worldwide become more sustainable.

The EU Ecolabel is awarded to accommodation providers in recognition of their environmental excellence. Hotels and campsites can apply for this certification and, in order to be awarded the label, accommodation must meet strict criteria set by the European Commission and relevant stakeholders. These are then certified by an independent body. The criteria guarantee high-quality standards and significantly reduced environmental impact compared to the average accommodation on the market.

The EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) label is a management tool that helps accommodation providers identify their environmental impact, set reduction targets, and communicate their progress. EMAS certification shows that an organization has assessed all its direct and indirect environmental impacts and has adopted a corporate sustainability policy to reduce them over time. All organizations in the tourism sector can apply. Registered companies must meet strict criteria and communicate their corporate environmental policy to their business partners and customers. All data and claims in the environmental report are verified by an accredited/licensed independent auditor.

Why sustainability certification is more important than ever

Consumer trust is essential. 90% of EU citizens believe that eco-labels need independent verification and 80% believe that companies often make misleading claims in relation to environmental management.

Obtaining sustainability certification also offers a number of business advantages to accommodation providers. Firstly, it enables them to gain a competitive advantage, stand out to environmentally conscious travelers, and gain special visibility on major platforms such as Booking.com. Secondly, accommodation providers can achieve cost reductions through optimized energy consumption, reduced waste management costs, and improved resource efficiency. Third, certification ensures future regulatory compliance: by protecting companies from “greenwashing”, enabling them to make verifiable environmental claims, and aligning them with EU legislation that will enter into force from September 2026.

How sustainability certification helps businesses comply with new EU regulations

The Directive on empowering consumers to go green will enter into force from September 2026, while the Directive on ecological claims has not yet been finalized. These laws set rules for environmental certifications and environmental claims. For example, only labels verified by a third party or public authority will be allowed, and any environmental claim will have to be substantiated.

Both the EU Ecolabel and the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) certifications are a safe investment for accommodation providers, as they already comply with these new regulations. Your verified environmental management statements allow you to make sustainability claims, and these certifications provide built-in protection against future regulatory changes.

First steps towards sustainability certification

For any business looking to become EMAS or EU Ecolabel certified, the first step is to consider which of these two tools suits your needs. Consider the EU Ecolabel if you are ready to demonstrate the best sustainability performance in your accommodation service category. Alternatively, choose EMAS if you want to gradually improve the environmental performance of your accommodation service and your business over time.

To help you make the best choice, you can find the criteria and application procedures for both schemes on their respective websites. Secondly, you should contact the relevant national competent bodies – either the Community and the EU Ecolabel Helpdesk or the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) in your country – for practical advice on how to apply.

A look ahead

The move to more sustainable hospitality requires collective action from all stakeholders: accommodation providers, travelers, and governing bodies. Training courses are vital for the industry to understand the benefits of operating more sustainably and complying with sustainability regulations. By pursuing environmental certification for your accommodation today, you are not only preparing for upcoming regulations, but you are investing in the future of tourism and helping to preserve the destinations we all love, for generations to come.

For more information and support, visit the official websites of the European Ecolabel and the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS).

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

Photo Source: pixabay.com