Starting today, tourists arriving in Spain will have to provide more personal data to authorities.
28.11.2024 - 14:31 / cntraveler.com
Sustainable travel can mean a lot of things, whether it's lowering your carbon footprint, protecting local wildlife and conserving natural resources, or making a positive impact on the communities you visit.
More and more travelers are prioritizing factors like these when planning trips: A recent Virtuoso survey found that nearly 60% of tourists are willing to pay more for hotels, operators, and travel experiences that support sustainable practices if they know how their contributions are being used. But with a market flooded by language like “certified green” and “climate positive,” how can travelers discern which brands are truly committed to responsible practices?
This is where third-party certifications and credible eco-travel collectives come in. They can offer an essential foundation for travelers looking to make more informed choices. However, not all labels carry equal weight, and they are all awarded based on different criteria and through various methodologies. Put simply: Not every sustainable travel certification is the same.
International certifications like Green Globe and Biosphere Sustainable validate that businesses meet stringent environmental and social standards aligned with frameworks like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Membership-based entities such as Beyond Green offer an alternative pathway, steering eco-minded travelers towards hotels that have undergone rigorous third-party audits and demonstrate measurable, continuous, and positive impact in the destinations where they operate.
Travalyst, a non-profit founded by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex (and honoree on Condé Nast Traveler's Bright Ideas in Travel 2024), is also working to make the sustainability certifications space easier to navigate, aiming to increase access to consistent sustainability data and support the certifications industry on its journey towards regulatory compliance. In August 2024, following an independent review process, Travalyst released a list of 49 certifications, standards, and schemes that meet its initial criteria.
Governments, too, are stepping in to drive greater transparency across the travel industry. Starting in 2025, the European Union’s new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will require hotels, airlines, and other travel-related businesses of a certain size operating within the EU to publish environmental and social impact reports. While these public reports won’t necessarily be consumer-facing, they build on the work of third-party eco-certifications and reputable eco-collectives by introducing consistent, measurable benchmarks for sustainability across the industry and beyond.
Beyond Green certifies high-end hotels like The Leela Palace Udaipur (pictured
Starting today, tourists arriving in Spain will have to provide more personal data to authorities.
Singapore has retained its place at the top of a ranking of the world’s strongest passports, previously knocking Spain off the top spot.
You don't have to take a transatlantic flight to feel like you're in Europe this holiday season.
In the lead-up to the election, Business Insider reported millions of Americans were considering leaving the country if former President Donald Trump won his 2024 campaign. After his victory was announced, searches for the phrase "moving to Canada" spiked — along with inquiries about international digital nomad visas.
People around the world are traveling more than ever, with international tourist arrivals in the first half of 2024 just about reaching pre-pandemic levels — and destinations around the world are feeling the pinch.
November: What a month — especially this one. There was a lot to get through between the election, the start of the holiday season, the time change and, at least, for those who love and support me and my fellow TPG hotel reporter Cameron Sperance, two Scorpio birthdays.
I woke up in a panic a few years ago when I realized that at 53, I'd spent most of my adult life living in one place. Sure, I'd traveled over the years, but I hadn't lived outside the DC area since moving back here from Chicago at 26.
More airlines are flying single-aisle Airbus A321neo family planes across the Atlantic.
Sometimes the perfect meal while traveling is one that you can put together yourself.
Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate products and services to help you make smart decisions with your money.
Spirit Airlines is embracing the “new year, new me” mindset after announcing this week that it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The carrier plans to debut its restructuring plan during the first quarter of 2025; it has signaled that it will be moving away from its traditional budget carrier operating model.
From Athens to New York City, wildfires around the world have brought orange skies and smog to major urban hubs this year. But the cities with the cleanest air have managed to decrease air pollution by regulating emissions, investing in public transportation, and transitioning to clean energy—making them more enjoyable, and sustainable, destinations for travelers.