- Save valuable time, we take care of everything
- Increase your occupancy rate and your income
- Provide a 5-star experience for your guests
- Hassle-free: full management, from check-ins to cleaning
Your Welkeys concierge service invites you to explore sustainable tourism labels in France. These labels help recognize committed initiatives. However, there are so many that it can be difficult to navigate them. We’d like to walk you through a few to help you better understand them.
According to a study published in 2018 by Nature Climate Change, tourism is responsible for 8% of greenhouse gas emissions. Despite the sector's current crisis linked to the pandemic, it will undoubtedly bounce back, as travelers still have a thirst for travel. It also has a significant ethical impact. For these reasons, it is now necessary to rethink tourism to make it more sustainable.
The value of sustainable tourism labels
Labels and certifications are titles granted to organizations (companies, associations, etc.). To obtain them, one must meet a set of specifications that, while varying in scope, are well-defined.
Labels and certifications are awarded following an audit conducted by a third-party, independent company. These companies charge fair prices to all organizations requesting an audit. Depending on the title awarded, verification audits are regularly carried out to monitor the progress of the commitment.
While some companies choose not to have their commitment officially recognized, a label is a great way to reassure travelers. It attests to good practices and often to continuous improvement on the path toward sustainability. Criteria generally include efforts regarding the direct impact of the activity and local development.
Global and European initiatives
A committee last reviewed ISO 14001 in 2015. It certifies a comprehensive approach to sustainable development. It provides a framework for managing environmental impacts and encourages certified organizations to continuously improve their environmental performance.
ISO 26000, on the other hand, recognizes a company's social responsibility. This social responsibility takes into account respect for the environment, human rights, and ethics. While it does not offer certification, it provides important guidelines for implementing sustainable projects.
We previously touched on Green Globes in our article on tips for protecting the mountains in winter. This international label applies criteria adapted to each region. It is revised twice a year to ensure constant relevance and updates. It applies to the entire tourism sector: from restaurants to cruise ships. Its three levels of certification encourage renewed commitment.
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) also offers certification criteria. It is based on management focused on sustainable development and the promotion of local areas, both in terms of employment and in terms of the environment and culture. Airbnb and Booking.com are members of this organization, which aims to provide the foundation for the tourism of tomorrow.
National initiatives for sustainable tourism
In our Tuesday article on mountain preservation, we also introduced a primary national initiative. This is the Flocon Vert (Green Snowflake) label, awarded by the association Mountain Riders. Several sustainable tourism initiatives like this exist in France.
The Stations Vertes (Green Resorts) label rewards ecotourism destinations. They allow visitors to explore nature and local heritage while also educating the public and ensuring the well-being of residents. This label often highlights less-frequented locations with limited but high-quality tourism.
Teragir created the Blue Flag label as part of the Foundation for Environmental Education. It aligns with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This label has already perfectly integrated goals 6 and 14 regarding clean water and life below water. It also aims to encompass goal 13 on climate action and goal 12 on responsible consumption and production. This label is intended for beaches and marinas in over 46 countries.
The Ecocert company offers certification for ecological green spaces. This certification concerns parks, gardens, golf courses, or any space that includes vegetation. The company offers numerous certifications, notably for organic products.
The existence of all these labels demonstrates a real determination within the tourism sector to embrace sustainable development. At Welkeys, we are committed to following this evolution and are working to implement more sustainable practices.
.jpg)
