Sustainability in tourism goes beyond protecting the environment. It is also about people, local communities, responsible business practices and creating positive experiences for travellers. The following sustainability themes form the basis of the Travelife assessment.
The examples show the types of topics addressed within Travelife. The specific criteria and measures that apply depend on the recognition level achieved: Travelife Partner or Travelife Certified.
Tourism companies use resources and interact with the environment. Travelife asks companies to understand their environmental effects, take appropriate measures and reduce negative impacts where possible through continuous improvement.
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Travelife encourages companies to understand their contribution to climate change and reduce it where possible.
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Tourism can depend on attractive landscapes, healthy ecosystems and wildlife. Tourism companies can therefore play an important role in protecting natural areas and biodiversity.
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Sustainability also means providing a fair, safe and inclusive working environment.
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Travelife expects companies to respect internationally recognised human rights within their own operations and sphere of influence.
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Tourism can contribute to destinations while respecting local cultures, traditions and heritage.
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Tourism companies work with many different suppliers, including accommodation providers, transport companies and excursion providers. Cooperation within the supply chain therefore plays an important role in encouraging more responsible tourism practices.
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travellers should receive clear and reliable information before and during their trip to encourage responsible behaviour and informed choices at the destination.
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Tourism companies are expected to treat customers carefully and transparently and consider their rights, safety and interests.
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Responsible business conduct is an important part of sustainability. Companies are expected to operate honestly, transparently and in accordance with laws and regulations.
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Travelife helps tour operators and travel agents integrate sustainability through clear criteria, practical tools and independent assessment. Companies work on the environment, human rights, working conditions, local communities and responsible supply-chain management.
When you see a Travelife logo, it means that the tourism company has been independently assessed against the Travelife sustainability criteria. Partner is the entry recognition level; Certified is the highest level and includes an extensive on-site audit.
A company registers, completes a self-assessment, gathers evidence and is independently assessed. After recognition, reassessment takes place every two years to verify continued compliance and improvement.