Travalyst, the not-for-profit organization established by Prince Harry, recently announced the release of the first set of accommodation sustainability certifications that meet its standards. This marks a significant milestone in the organization’s efforts to enhance credibility and consistency in the display of certifications on travel booking platforms.
Travalyst, founded in 2019, aims to provide consumers with sustainability information to influence their travel choices. The coalition’s key partners, including Booking.com, Google, Sabre, and Mastercard, have collaborated to establish three primary criteria for evaluating the compliance of accommodation certifications. These criteria include publicly available standards, third-party audits, and a commitment to sustainability.
Booking.com recently made the decision to discontinue its “Travel Sustainable” badge under pressure from the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets. Instead, the platform has committed to prioritizing third-party certification schemes as a more reliable measure of sustainability. This shift reflects a growing emphasis on the importance of providing accessible and trustworthy information on sustainable travel options.
Sally Davey, CEO of Travalyst, emphasized the need to streamline the certification process within the accommodation sector. The organization recognizes the challenges faced by both consumers seeking sustainable accommodations and providers navigating the complex landscape of certification bodies. By offering a free and open certification initiative, Travalyst aims to simplify the process and make it more user-friendly for all stakeholders.
Among the initial certifications listed as compliant with Travalyst’s standards are Sustonica, WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics, and Green Globe Certification. These organizations have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability within the accommodation sector and have met the rigorous criteria set forth by Travalyst. By partnering with such reputable certifications, Travalyst is working to promote transparency and credibility in the industry.
In 2022, Travalyst introduced its Travel Impact Mode, a tool designed to address flight emissions by standardizing the collection and display of carbon emissions data. This initiative represents a proactive step towards reducing the environmental impact of travel and empowering consumers to make informed choices. By continuing to develop innovative solutions, Travalyst is leading the way in promoting sustainability within the travel industry.