Environmental Certification

Gaining Market Share and Reducing Costs

Travelers are increasingly favoring environmentally responsible tourism providers. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, within the United States alone, 43 million people are self-proclaimed "eco-tourists" who are willing to pay 8.5 percent more to environmentally sensitive travel suppliers. A survey of U.S. travelers found 87 percent would be more likely to stay at "green" properties. Tourism businesses that can demonstrate a concern for the environment through responsible business practices are able to earn respect and customer loyalty while enhancing a firm's competitiveness. In addition to gaining increased market share, tourism businesses that invest in energy efficiency technology will reduce energy consumption and utility costs directly impacting bottom line revenues for measurable return on investment.

Throughout the world we are witnessing the emergence of sustainable tourism certification programs designed to provide a seal of approval for tourism companies that adapt sustainable business models into their daily operations. These certification programs provide tourism companies a unique marketing tool to demonstrate a commitment to sustainable tourism.

Solimar's consulting team will assist the management team develop a work plan to implement sustainable business practices and obtain certification.   

Below is a list of certification programs for sustainable tourism:

Green Globe 21 - http://www.greenglobe21.org

Costa Rica Certification for Sustainable Tourism - http://www.turismo-sostenible.co.cr/

Guatemala Green Deal - http://www.greendeal.org

Europe's Voluntary Initiative for Sustainabilty in Tourism (VISIT) - http://www.visit21.net/

Blue Flag International - http://www.blueflag.org/

Sustainable Tourism Certification Program for Brazil - http://www.pcts.org.br

SmartVoyager Program of the Galapagos - http://www.rainforestalliance.org/