What makes Travelife different?
Travelife has been developed around the actual activities and responsibilities of tour operators and other travel companies. Its criteria and tools address the areas companies manage directly as well as their relationships with suppliers, destinations and travellers.
This sector-specific approach makes it possible to translate broad sustainability principles into practical requirements and actions that can be applied by travel companies of different sizes, business models and geographic markets.
More than certification
Travelife combines training, management tools, implementation support and independent assessment within one programme.
Companies do not simply receive a standard and prepare for an audit. During the Travelife Engaged preparatory phase, they build knowledge, establish their sustainability management system, assess their existing practices, develop action plans, work with suppliers, monitor progress and report on their activities.
A dedicated Travelife account manager supports each company through this implementation process. Independent assessment remains separate from this preparatory support.
A step-by-step approach
Sustainability is a process of continued development rather than a one-time achievement.
Travelife therefore provides a progressive pathway. Companies start by establishing the foundations for structured sustainability management and can subsequently progress to Travelife Partner and Travelife Certified, the two independently assessed recognition levels.
The same principle applies to supply-chain engagement. Travel companies often have influence over suppliers and destinations without having direct operational control. Travelife therefore uses a practical, risk-based approach that encourages companies to identify priorities, communicate expectations, engage suppliers and progressively strengthen sustainability practices within their sphere of influence.
Knowledge and capacity building
Building knowledge has been a core Travelife principle from the beginning.
The Travelife training programme enables Sustainability Coordinators and employees across the company to develop knowledge relevant to their responsibilities. Alongside the core sustainability management training, specialised courses address topics such as carbon management, internal environmental management, human rights, child protection, animal welfare, consumer communication and sustainability for tour guides.
Travelife members can register additional staff for training at no additional cost, supporting the integration of sustainability knowledge throughout the organisation.
Supply-chain and sector collaboration
Travelife was founded on the principle that travel companies can increase their positive influence by working together and applying common sustainability approaches throughout the tourism supply chain.
Rather than each company developing separate requirements and approaches, Travelife provides a common framework that supports greater consistency and collaboration between travel companies and their suppliers. This helps create a stronger collective signal for sustainability improvement across the tourism sector.
Learn more about our supplier tools
Global approach, local support
Travelife is designed for international application. The same overall framework and recognition principles can be used by travel companies across different countries and markets, while implementation takes account of local circumstances, legislation and business realities.
Travelife combines this global framework with regional and language-specific support. Wherever possible, companies work with an account manager familiar with their region and able to support them in their preferred language.
Transparent and all-inclusive fees
Travelife maintains a clear, transparent and all-inclusive fee structure. The applicable membership fee includes access to all Travelife training and tools, including the management, reporting and supply-chain tools, as well as dedicated Travelife Coach support.
Depending on the recognition level, the fee also includes independent verification, auditing, certification and use of the applicable Travelife logo. There are no separate charges for individual trainings, tools or Coach support.
For Travelife Certified, any additional audit time required based on the company’s size, locations or structure is determined upon enrolment and clearly indicated in the applicable fee schedule. Only the travel expenses of the on-site auditor are charged separately and agreed with the company in advance.
