Sustainability certifications are a top priority for TUI: “Our sustainability certified hotels clearly signals hotels that demonstrate social and environmental good practice […]” says Ian Corbett, Head of Sustainability in TUI Group’s
Labels and certifications are common in many different sectors and contexts. 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.”
* Clarification from GSTC: the above refers to GSTC-Recognized Standards, which are equivalent to the GSTC Criteria.
High Standards Worldwide
The GSTC Criteria are based on detailed criteria. Hotels that want to achieve certification are audited by independent, specialist companies. 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 Criteria or equivalent GSTC-Recognized Standards.
Advantages for Partner Companies – and the Environment
Besides the recognition and more transparency for travelers, certifications also have advantages for hotels or tour operators: “Our sustainability certified hotels clearly signals hotels that demonstrate social and environmental good practice, but in most cases these hotels offer a plus in terms of quality for guests, too. This ranges from better trained employees or more emphasis on locally sourced food, to the avoidance of harmful pollutants in cleaning agents, or respect for local biodiversity. Our customers recognise this extra quality, as the high guest satisfaction at hotels with sustainability certification in our portfolio proves,” adds Ian Corbett.
An analysis of 300 certified hotels also proved the significantly increased environmental performance compared to non-certified accommodation: On average, CO2 emissions are 10 percent lower, 24 percent less waste is produced per guest night and freshwaterconsumption is reduced by 19 percent. Higher, however, are the shares of green energy (+23 percent) and employees from the destination country (+9 percent).
Close Cooperation With Partners
A large number of TUI’s own hotels and resorts are now certified. In addition, TUI’s hotel partners – on the basis of joint contracts with TUI – are also working proactively towards certification (we had 1,126 hotels with sustainability certifications in 2022). This does mean a certain amount of time and organisational effort for the hotel management, says Ian Corbett. However, it is the task of the TUI teams to strengthen the hotel partners and to support them: “The certification is not a check that’s looking for some perfect condition. Rather, we understand the process as an offer to hotels to focus more on sustainability and to show them concrete steps towards it. Clearly, there’s a minimum standard to be achieved, but just as important is a commitment to continuous improvement.”
What started in the hotel sector with the GSTC cooperation is now continuing for tours and activities. TUI has recently become the first company in the world to apply GSTC sustainability Criteria to experiences. We will share more about this soon.
An Eye for the Big Picture
TUI has been committed to sustainability for more than 30 years – and ‘Driving certifications’ is one of the focus areas in the ‘Progress’ building block of the Group’s Sustainability Agenda. Since 2015, TUI has delivered a total of 54 million holidays to hotels independently certified as sustainable. Ian Corbett from TUI’s sustainability team hopes for a leverage effect: “We want to continue to be the industry leader in sustainability and change the tourism industry with our initiatives,” Corbett summarises. “And the certifications are an important lever for this. After all, a hotel achieving a sustainability certification doesn’t just benefit a TUI guest – but every traveler who chooses to stay there.”
Driving Certifications in Numbers
4
GSTC Criteria pillars: sustainability planning, maximise socio-economic benefits for the local community, enhance cultural heritage and reduce impacts to the environment
1,126
TUI hotels with sustainability certifications in 2022
7.9 million
TUI customers stayed in hotels with sustainability certifications in 2022
16 million
TUI customers to choose hotels meeting global sustainability criteria per year by 2030
54 million
Holidays already delivered to hotels with sustainability certifications since 2015
100%
TUI Hotels & Resorts achieving sustainability certifications by 2030
Read the original article here: Sustainability certifications are high on TUI’s Agenda (Feb 27, 2023)
