Labels and certifications are common in many different sectors and contexts – from the Fair Trade, one of the most recognised sustainability labels globally, to the EU organic seal for food. The travel industry also has numerous certification schemes. For TUI, these are a key driver for more sustainable tourism.
“Certifications give travelers reassurance and orientation,” explains Ian Corbett, Head of Sustainability in TUI Group’s international sustainability team. “However, we also know there are certifications of varying quality in the tourism sector. That’s why we have been working with the GSTC, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, for our hotels since 2012. We only accept sustainability certifications that are recognised by the independent GSTC and meet its strict standards.”
The GSTC standards are based on detailed criteria. Hotels that want to achieve certificationare audited by independent, specialist companies, for example Travelife (here is an article on what such an audit looks like at a Robinson Club). So even if hotel guests do not know every certification scheme, they can be reassured: TUI will only include hotels in its portfolio as sustainability-certified if they meet the GSTC standards.