Membership and recognition pathway
Travelife provides companies with a step-by-step pathway from preparation and implementation towards independent sustainability recognition and certification:
Companies normally enter the programme through the Travelife Engaged phase and progress to the independently assessed recognition levels once they have implemented the applicable requirements.
Preparatory phaseTravelife Engaged
Travelife Engaged is the starting phase for companies joining the Travelife programme.
During this phase, the Sustainability Coordinator develops the knowledge and systems needed to implement the Travelife requirements. The company uses the Travelife training, criteria, online self-assessment and management tools to establish its sustainability management approach, assess current practices, identify priorities and implement improvements.
The company works towards meeting the Travelife Partner criteria and prepares the evidence required for independent assessment.
Travelife Engaged is a preparatory phase and does not constitute an independently assessed Travelife recognition or certification.
Benefits for Travelife Engaged members
- Access to the Travelife online training platform and its range of sustainability training courses;
- Examinations and personal training certificates for the Sustainability Coordinator and additional registered staff members;
- Registration of additional staff for training at no additional cost;
- The Travelife Sustainability Management System, developed in line with internationally recognised management principles including ISO 14001, EMAS III and ISO 26000;
- Online tools for self-assessment, action planning, monitoring, reporting and benchmarking;
- Practical guidance, templates and examples to support implementation;
- Tools and information for working with accommodation providers and other suppliers;
- Support from a dedicated Travelife coach throughout the preparation and implementation process.
Annual membership contribution
Entry recognition
levelTravelife Partner
Travelife Partner is the first independently assessed recognition level within the Travelife programme.
Once a company has implemented the applicable Partner requirements, it submits its self-assessment and supporting evidence for independent assessment against the Travelife Partner criteria.
The assessment covers approximately 60 mandatory criteria, including sustainability policy, objectives, management systems, procedures and evidence demonstrating implementation of key sustainability practices within the organisation.
Once compliance with the applicable requirements has been independently verified, the company is awarded Travelife Partner recognition.
Travelife Partner provides a strong foundation for continuing the implementation process towards Travelife Certified.
Benefits of Travelife Partner recognition
Travelife Partner includes the membership benefits of the preparatory phase, plus:
- Independent assessment against the Travelife Partner criteria;
- Reassessment every two years to confirm continued compliance;
- The right to use the Travelife Partner recognition logo
- Listing in the public Travelife Register;
- Visibility as a Travelife Partner within relevant Travelife business-to-business tools;
- Access to the full Travelife Certified Standard and guidance for progressing towards certification;
- An independently assessed basis for communicating the company’s Travelife recognition in accordance with the Travelife Communication Guidelines.
Annual membership contribution
Highest
certification levelTravelife
Certified
Travelife Certified is the highest recognition level within the Travelife programme.
Companies progressing from Travelife Partner work towards compliance with the full Travelife Certified Standard. Once ready for certification, the company undergoes a comprehensive independent audit, including an on-site assessment.
During the audit, the auditor reviews documentation and objective evidence, interviews management and employees and verifies how the applicable Travelife requirements have been implemented in the company’s day-to-day operations.
The Travelife Certified Standard comprises more than 200 mandatory sustainability criteria. Certification is granted once the applicable requirements have been successfully verified and the certification process has been completed.
Travelife Certified companies are recertified every two years to verify continued compliance with the Travelife Certified Standard.
Benefits of Travelife Certified
Travelife Certified includes the benefits of Travelife Partner, plus:
- Comprehensive independent certification against the Travelife Certified Standard;
- An independent on-site certification audit every two years;
- The right to use the Travelife Certified logo while certification remains valid;
- Listing as Travelife Certified in the public Travelife Register;
- Visibility within relevant Travelife business-to-business tools;
- An independently verified basis for communicating Travelife Certified recognition in accordance with the Travelife Communication Guidelines.
Annual contribution