NEWTON, MASS.—TripAdvisor announced that it is accepting applications from U.S. accommodations to be considered for its soon-to-be launched TripAdvisor GreenLeaders program. Created in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program, the United Nations Environment Programme and the U.S. Green Building Council, the program will recognize eco-friendly properties and help travelers plan greener trips. Large hospitality companies including Best Western, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Select Registry, as well as independent hotels, are participating in the program.
Applications will be reviewed against a set of environmental criteria developed for TripAdvisor by a leading environmental consulting firm, with input from expert partners. Accommodations meeting a minimum standard of green practices will be awarded TripAdvisor GreenLeaders status. The more green practices a hotel has in place, the higher its TripAdvisor GreenLeaders level, which will be shown prominently on the property’s listing on the TripAdvisor site.
TripAdvisor research reveals that travelers are extremely interested in making eco-friendly travel choices, with 71 percent planning to do so within the next three months. Yet despite 81 percent of U.S. hoteliers indicating that they currently have green practices in place, nearly a quarter of these respondents do not communicate their green efforts to guests.
Huge Potential Audience
“In partnership with leading environmental protection organizations, TripAdvisor is delighted to call for applications from all U.S. accommodation owners to its TripAdvisor GreenLeaders program,” said Jenny Rushmore, director of responsible travel at TripAdvisor. “The program allows those committed to green practices to promote their credentials to a potential audience of more than 60 million unique monthly visitors from around the world and help those who are environmentally conscious plan their perfect trip.”
“Through its Energy Star program, EPA is proud to partner with TripAdvisor to help launch this breakthrough initiative to help foster greener travel across the country,” said Jean Lupinacci, chief of EPA’s Energy Star program for Commercial Buildings and Industrial Plants. “Thousands of hotels across America are actively managing their energy use and related greenhouse gas emissions with help from Energy Star. Now, through the TripAdvisor GreenLeaders program, travelers will have the information they need to choose these types of sustainability-minded hotels.”
“We are excited to be among the first hotels considered for the TripAdvisor GreenLeaders program,” said Tedd Saunders, chief sustainability officer of The Saunders Hotel Group. “We’re very proud to have helped pioneer the green hotel movement, and are thrilled to see TripAdvisor make this game-changing effort to help travelers plan eco-friendly trips and ensure every guest’s visit is as memorable as the last.”
To register for the TripAdvisor GreenLeaders program, visit green.tripadvisor.com. TripAdvisor is launching the program in the United States first with plans to expand it to other countries in due course. TripAdvisor will announce more details during 2013.
Go to green.tripadvisor.com.
