INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Recognized as the global authority on luxury travel, Forbes Travel Guide began as the Mobil Travel Guide in 1958. In 2009, Mobil Travel Guide was acquired and became Forbes Travel Guide. Mobil Oil Corp. founded the guide to encourage travel (and gas station fill-ups) on the United States’ rapidly growing interstate highway system. Today, Five-Star, Four-Star and Recommended awards honor more than 2,000 properties in 85 countries.
Forbes Travel Guide’s highly trained inspectors visit every property it rates, evaluating based on up to 900 standards. A property’s commitment to wellness and sustainability factor in the final rating score.
Two years ago, Forbes Travel Guide piloted its VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality program, giving its Partners and others an opportunity to gain additional recognition for their efforts in protecting the environment and supporting the well-being of employees, guests and their communities. Kathleen Price, Director at AtelierCX, the consulting division at Forbes Travel Guide, says 2025 is the first full year of the program.
Developed with sustainability leader Hervé Houdré, the VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality program provides hotels with a framework and verification to demonstrate their commitment to responsible practices without compromising the guest experience.
More Than 100 Stringent Standards
The VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality badge is awarded to properties that demonstrate a commitment to more than 100 stringent standards. There are currently 337 properties in 50 countries with the badge. The VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality program is a self-assessment verification program available at no cost to Forbes Travel Guide Partners. For others there is a fee to participate.
Verified properties receive a digital logo that can be used on a plaque, online, or elsewhere throughout the property. “We encourage properties to display that logo,” Price says.
All verified properties will have to reverify for 2026. Forbes Travel Guide has added new questions and is requiring more documentation. To access overviews of the sections of the criteria for verification, click here.
One example of a section in the criteria is “Transportation.” In the verification document, standards on hotel vehicles and the amenities they include as well as electric vehicle charging stations are included.
Key Points:
- Electric or hybrid hotel transportation is provided or suggested.
- Wi-Fi is available in vehicles and only digital reading materials are offered.
- Electric vehicle charging stations are available.
- Electric golf carts are used.
Applicants Must Provide:
- Upload of hybrid and/or electric car service offerings.
- SOP for digital reading materials in vehicle.
- Photo of electric vehicle chargers.
Among the other VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality topics included in the program: Front Office, Rooms, Food & Beverage, Fitness Center & Spa, Responsible Practices such as energy efficiency and food waste management processes, and Responsible Engagement practices such as support for local, national and/or international organizations that benefit the environment and/or community.
Price says participating lodging establishments can receive credit within the Responsible Hospitality Verification if their properties are already third party certified by approved certifications.
Forbes Travel Guide’s website features a collection of Responsible Hospitality Verified properties.
Those interested in signing up for the program should visit this page.
Glenn Hasek can be reached at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
