TripAdvisor GreenLeaders Program Checks Into Canada And Europe
Photos: TripAdvisor
It looks like the demand for green getaways is on the rise. Travel giant TripAdvisor has announced that it is extending its eco-friendly GreenLeaders program into Canada and Europe, following its rapid growth in the US.
Developed in consultation with the United Nations Environment Programme, the US Green Building Council, Energy Star and the International Centre for Responsible Tourism Canada, the GreenLeaders program aims to help travellers around the world plan greener trips by highlighting hotels and B&Bs that are engaged in environmentally-friendly practices.
For the first time, hotels and B&Bs in 19 markets, including Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy and Spain, are able to apply for GreenLeaders status, to add to those in the US that were already able to apply.
And green business is big business. A recent TripAdvisor survey revealed that 79 per cent of travellers place importance on properties that implement eco-friendly practices.
The GreenLeaders program awards qualifying hotels and B&Bs with GreenLeaders status based on the green practices the property has in place – with properties tiered between Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum awards. Each award will be shown prominently on the property's listing.
Eligible businesses can apply now at no cost by going to http://green.tripadvisor.com for properties in the US, http://green.tripadvisor.ca for properties in Canada and http://green.tripadvisor.co.uk for properties in the U.K.
Each application is assessed against a holistic set of environmental criteria – including practices ranging from linen and towel re-use, recycling and composting to solar panels, electric car-charging stations and green roofing. The more green practices a hotel or B&B has in place, the higher the GreenLeaders level it can achieve.
"With so many travellers placing an importance on the eco-friendly practices of the places they visit, hotel and B&B owners stand to gain a real competitive edge by promoting their environmentally friendly practices," said Jenny Rushmore, director of responsible travel at TripAdvisor.
"Our TripAdvisor GreenLeaders program will enable businesses managing their environmental footprint to highlight their commitment to millions of travelers around the world, at no expense to their business."
TripAdvisor GreenLeaders was first launched in the US in April 2013, and has since awarded over 3,700 US hotels and B&Bs GreenLeaders status. Hotels currently participating in the US program range from small, independent establishments, to multinational brands like Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, Select Registry and Coast Hotels.