Jet2holidays is the latest company to label hotels that meet certain sustainability criteria, enabling agents to more easily find properties that meet green credentials.
Launching today (19 December) the operator has said that more than 800 hotels will now feature in the Certified Sustainable Hotels collection, which meet the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Recognised standards.
The standards are based on sustainable hotel management, social and economic support of the local community, promoting positive cultural impacts and environmental protection. GSTC manages the criteria for the standards. Jet2holidays became a member of the GSTC in September 2021.
Other travel companies are also signed up to GSTC, including TUI which has its Green & Fair hotels scheme, with properties meeting the GSTC’s credentials.
Jet2holidays is also encouraging its hotel partners to gain Foundation for Environmental Education’s (FEE) Green Key certification, which is a GSTC-Recognised standard for hotel sustainability.
Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy said: “As well as enjoying the award-winning experience of a Jet2holiday, customers increasingly want to know that their holidays are more sustainable.
“The launch of our Certified Sustainable Hotels labelling scheme gives independent travel agents the ability to easily search and book with that in mind, so that they can choose a holiday that is right for their customers.”
He added: “We are also announcing our new Sustainable Hotel Charter and agreement with Green Key today, which means more hotels can adhere to GSTC-Recognised standards too. This will see our collection of Certified Sustainable Hotels become bigger and better, giving independent travel agents even more choice.”
GSTC CEO Randy Durband said: “We congratulate Jet2holidays for this initiative. The growing movement of hotels aligning with the Four Pillars of the GSTC Criteria reflects a powerful, irreversible trend towards sustainable practices. By adopting this holistic approach to sustainability, we’re collectively embarking on a transformative journey towards a brighter, more responsible future.”
