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
- 1) How will Naxos deal with the risk of water shortages ahead of the tourist season
- 2) Milos Municipality attempts to block second investment for 5-star hotel
- 3) European Hotels: "Stop" on single-use plastic packaging from 2030
- 4) iAlonissos: Digital promotion of local natural and cultural attractions
09/02 19:36
Rethymno Carnival 2025 | The event of the theme “Come to the Light” is fantastic
09/02 07:32
How can tourism contribute to the growth of Greek cosmetic products in Britain
09/02 07:29
Castle scholars from all over the world promote Frogakastello in Crete
08/02 08:24
Chris Nassetta, Hilton: Optimistic about 2025 despite market challenges
08/02 07:19
07/02 23:09
Grant payments for 4 hotel investments in Paxos, Lefkada, Zakynthos and Chania
07/02 18:40
Olga Kefalogianni in HORECA | Greece has experience in managing natural phenomena
07/02 15:06
FedHATTA: “Opening up” of Greek travel agencies to the Iranian market
07/02 14:35
07/02 13:49
07/02 13:26
Applications for the Best Tourism Villages 2025 are now open
07/02 13:02
Springer Reisen: 20 connections to Greek islands this summer
07/02 12:26
Greece: Nearly 30 million international air arrivals in 2024 - Who traveled where
07/02 11:19
Europe as a single tourist destination - A. Fiorentinos at the Destination Europe Summit 2025
07/02 06:55
Positive prospects for tourism in 2025 but major “thorns” remain
07/02 06:41
British travel agents “discover” Naxos - Record arrivals in 2024
07/02 06:14
Donation from HEDNO for the restoration of the Ottoman Bath of Kalloni in Lesvos
06/02 18:58
Work on the Thessaloniki Flyover is progressing at a rapid pace
06/02 18:54
Sports Tourism | Ministerial meeting for the Euroleague Coaches Conference 2025
06/02 18:25
29.3 million international air arrivals in 2024, with clear signs of an extended season
06/02 16:43
06/02 15:49
06/02 14:42
Sotheby’s: The Athenian Riviera is first in demand for luxury properties
06/02 13:48
06/02 12:05
Travelers are paying attention to cost and quality, few to sustainability
06/02 11:57
Wyndham and HR Group expand into Germany, Austria and the Netherlands
06/02 07:37
How will Naxos deal with the risk of water shortages ahead of the tourist season
06/02 07:28
Attica Region: There is no overtourism in Athens - a warning for infrastructure
06/02 07:16
Grant payments for 4 hotel investments in Rhodes, Chania, Itilo and Sivota
06/02 07:05
06/02 06:11
Municipality of Folegandros: Prohibition of roaming or grazing animals in tourist areas
05/02 19:57
Milos Municipality attempts to block second investment for 5-star hotel
05/02 19:03
National Action Plan for Cycling, with development in cycling tourism
05/02 16:51
05/02 15:46
05/02 12:41
The first robotic restaurant with artificial intelligence at Barcelona Airport
05/02 12:40
Athens Airport: 2025 started on a positive note,+14.5% passengers in January
05/02 12:35
How foreign travel professionals will promote Greek destinations
05/02 11:45
Tourism: 4 Greek islands capture Americans’ 2025 vacation interest
05/02 07:04
Grants for a boat shelter in Halkidiki and hotels in Chania, Zagori, and Koroni
05/02 07:02
05/02 06:53
Conde Nast Traveller | Crete among the 29 best places to visit before summer
05/02 06:22
05/02 06:14
05/02 06:13
Holy Metropolis of Rhodes: Digital Promotion of Museums Network and Monuments
05/02 06:09
04/02 22:49
Main Patras-Pyrgos highway section due to finish July 31, open to traffic soon
04/02 20:18
Hellenic Republic President to receive new Ambassadors of Vietnam, Ireland, and Sweden
04/02 19:53
04/02 17:31
Pan-Cretan Forum | Promoting Cretan products in Cretan hotels for the 13th year
04/02 16:05
SKY Express: Free tickets for children and teachers on Santorini-Athens flights
04/02 14:57
04/02 14:40
04/02 14:01
SkyUp Airlines: Two new connections to Athens and Corfu from Moldova
04/02 11:34
Rethymno Hoteliers head | The upcoming tourist season is predicted to be "quite good"
04/02 11:25
European Hotels: "Stop" on single-use plastic packaging from 2030
04/02 07:13
Greek hotels: Revenues in 2024 soar 11% above 2023 - read the latest investments
04/02 06:58
Filming at Kallimarmaro Stadium in Athens to create an electronic map
03/02 23:01
03/02 18:11
03/02 17:15
Chania: Smart barriers to protect the Venetian port and its visitors
03/02 16:02
Rhodes: The season kicks off on March 28, wounds from "Bora" storm remains
03/02 15:53
03/02 15:08
Promotion of Lesvos in Istanbul - Participation in EMITT 2025
03/02 14:48
03/02 13:14
Wyndham Hotels: Agreement with Zafido Holding for a new hotel in Piraeus
03/02 12:25
03/02 11:03
HolidayCheck: These are the 50 most popular Greek hotels in Germany for 2025
03/02 10:29
Cruises to Chania make a positive first impression in 2025 - 1,347 visitors daily
03/02 06:38
iAlonissos: Digital promotion of local natural and cultural attractions
03/02 06:25
5 new hotel investments in Lefkada, Rhodes, Ios, Karystos and Trikala
02/02 20:08
The travel profile of expatriates from Australia - the rescue of Rex
02/02 06:48
01/02 13:58
Tourism in Turkey beats expectations - 62 million arrivals, $61 billion in revenue in 2024
01/02 07:04
Volotea: Codeshare cooperation with Aegean to run on 13 routes
31/01 18:11
10 new hotel investments in Corfu, Rhodes, Paros, Ios, Skiathos, Samos, Kalambaka and Kranidi
31/01 17:49
Booking.com | Hotels: Don't leave negative guest reviews unanswered
31/01 10:18
The Region of Crete at the FITUR exhibition - Promising prospects from Spanish-speaking markets
31/01 10:15
ITEP Survey: Hotel Performance stagnant in Greece in December
31/01 07:03
Municipality of Agrinio reacts to photovoltaic plant in Kremaston Lake - threat to tourism
31/01 06:54
31/01 06:07
Mitsis Group: Donation of an architectural study to enhance a beachfront in Crete
31/01 00:02
Commission: First comprehensive European strategy for tourism coming
30/01 23:08
Greek Culture Ministers to attend European conference in support of Ukraine's heritage
30/01 18:58
Cruise: Viking Libra to make maiden voyage in 2026 from Piraeus
30/01 17:56
Record year in 2024 for international air transport – Now “flying” above 2019
30/01 17:50
Accessible tourism on the beaches of the Municipality of Agios Vasilios, Crete
30/01 16:40
Travel | London is now the top destination for Greeks abroad
30/01 16:23
Aegean: 40% increase in available seats from Saudi Arabia in 2025
30/01 16:04
UK Tourism | Lesser-known destinations and experiential travel the main trend in 2025
30/01 14:35
Pancretan Association of Hotel Managers Seminars underway for 2025
30/01 13:22
Airbnb is “sweeping” Europe - Demand is growing faster than supply in Greece
30/01 11:17
Airbnb | 76 billion euros in revenue for hosts in Europe in 2024
30/01 11:09
Investments | Lifestyle Hotels with branded residences and alternative accommodations in focus
30/01 10:30
30/01 06:52
30/01 06:45
Tourism Observatory in the Region of Thessaly in Central Greece
30/01 06:40
Networking of the municipality of Aristotle with the municipality of Valletta in Malta
30/01 06:16
What will the exciting diving park in Stalis of Hersonissos be like
29/01 23:59
Dynamic promotion of the Greek city of Thessaloniki in the Irish market
How can tourism contribute to the growth of Greek cosmetic products in Britain
Castle scholars from all over the world promote Frogakastello in Crete
Rethymno Carnival 2025 | The event of the theme “Come to the Light” is fantastic
Chris Nassetta, Hilton: Optimistic about 2025 despite market challenges
Grant payments for 4 hotel investments in Paxos, Lefkada, Zakynthos and Chania
Olga Kefalogianni in HORECA | Greece has experience in managing natural phenomena
FedHATTA: “Opening up” of Greek travel agencies to the Iranian market
British travel agents “discover” Naxos - Record arrivals in 2024
Applications for the Best Tourism Villages 2025 are now open
Europe as a single tourist destination - A. Fiorentinos at the Destination Europe Summit 2025
Greece: Nearly 30 million international air arrivals in 2024 - Who traveled where
29.3 million international air arrivals in 2024, with clear signs of an extended season
Springer Reisen: 20 connections to Greek islands this summer
Sports Tourism | Ministerial meeting for the Euroleague Coaches Conference 2025
Donation from HEDNO for the restoration of the Ottoman Bath of Kalloni in Lesvos
Work on the Thessaloniki Flyover is progressing at a rapid pace
Positive prospects for tourism in 2025 but major “thorns” remain
Municipality of Folegandros: Prohibition of roaming or grazing animals in tourist areas
Greek capital of Athens among top-10 most beautiful cities for the second time
What will the exciting diving park in Stalis of Hersonissos be like