News article

Sustainable travel badges on Agoda hotel listings

Agoda is leading the way in ecologically compatible travel. In 2022, it started the first global OTA to offer GSTC-aligned sustainability training. This ensures hotels follow global environmental standards.

By 2024, Agoda teamed up with USAID to grow its training in five Asian countries. Over 500 hoteliers have finished in-person training, matching Singapore's Hotel Sustainability Roadmap. This shows how much people care about the environment, as a 2023 BCG study found.

Agoda is also creating the Sustainable Tourism Academy. This digital platform will provide resources and training to help hotels become sustainably fit. These efforts aim to simplify sustainable choices for travelers around the world.

Sustainable travel badges on Agoda hotel listings
Sustainable travel badges on Agoda

What are sustainable travel badges on Agoda

Agoda’s sustainable travel badges highlight ecologically compatible practices in hotels. These badges show that a property meets environmental standards. They help travelers find places that match their values. Properties get these badges by meeting five key criteria: water conservation, waste reduction, nature protection, energy efficiency, and community support. An automated scoring system checks each category. This system is part of Booking Holdings' unified platform.

Certified properties are compared to non-certified ones in the same region. This ensures the badges show real efforts. Staff training is also required, ensuring sustainable practices are followed.

In 2024, Agoda expanded its training to seven locations across Asia. This move aims to increase certified properties. It supports the goal of promoting sustainability in the hospitality industry.

Why sustainable travel badges matter

More people now want to travel in an ecologically compatible way. Studies show that 90% of travelers look for places that share their values. Yet, 70% find it hard to plan low-impact trips. The hotel industry is listening. Places with badges cut down on their environmental harm a lot. For example, they use up to 30% less energy than non-certified hotels.

These badges make it easier for travelers to choose. They show if a place cares about the environment. This makes it simpler for people to pick the right place. Agoda's data shows a 40% rise in bookings for ecologically compatible hotels. This shows a big change in the industry. More hotels are now showing how sustainable they are to meet what customers want.

Tourism is a big part of global carbon emissions, says UNWTO. By picking ecologically compatible hotels, travelers can help. Together, we can make the planet healthier.

Why sustainable travel badges matter

How Agoda awards sustainable travel badges

Agoda checks if hotels are really ecologically compatible through a strict process. Hotels must follow GSTC rules to get a badge. This means they save water, reduce waste, and use less energy. Training staff is also key. Hotel workers must take a GSTC Professional Certificate course. This makes sure they follow green practices all the time. Agoda holds training sessions in Asia as part of USAID's program. Over 500 hoteliers have gone through this training.

The digital academy offers interactive lessons in local languages. It helps hotels' ecological standards and ensures that staffs are equiped with more knowledge that are of ecological relevance.. To get a badge, hotels need to document their efforts and pass a 72-hour audit. New hotels are checked carefully to make sure they meet standards. The Bali 2024 training showed great results, with 90% of participants getting certified.

  • Align with GSTC criteria.
  • Complete staff training programs.
  • Submit required documentation.
  • Pass the 72-hour audit process.

Third-party badges prove hotels are really compatible with low-impact standards. They build trust with customers. Agoda's system sets a high standard for ecologically compatible hotels.

How Agoda awards sustainable travel badges
Benefits of choosing sustainable hotel badges

Benefits of choosing sustainable hotel badges

Choosing hotels with ecologically compatible certifications has many benefits. These hotels use resources wisely and make guests happy. They are a great choice for travelers. Certified hotels have 22% higher guest satisfaction. This is because they offer better service and care for the environment. Guests like the effort and honesty shown by these hotels. Energy savings are a big plus. Hotels use LED lights and efficient systems to cut energy use by up to 30%. This saves money and helps the planet.

Water use drops by 35% in certified hotels. They also divert 50% more waste. These changes help the environment and save money.

  • Community investment increases by 15% in certified properties.
  • Maintenance costs decrease by 20% after certification.
  • Premium pricing acceptance rates rise by 25%.
  • Housekeeping chemical use drops by 40%.
  • Employee retention improves by 10% due to better working conditions.

Choosing certified hotels supports a healthier planet and improves guest experiences. These benefits make them a top choice for eco-conscious travelers.

How to identify sustainable travel badges on Agoda

How to identify sustainable travel badges on Agoda

Finding ecologically compatible options on Agoda is easy with clear signs. The platform has tools to help find hotels that meet environmental standards. This makes it easy for travelers to choose low-impact options. On the site, a filter in the left sidebar helps narrow down choices. Activating this filter shows only ecologically certified hotels. This makes choosing easier for travelers.

Certified hotels are marked with a green leaf icon. This means they meet criteria in areas like energy and waste. Clicking on a property shows a detailed sustainability scorecard in its profile.

The mobile app also helps identify certified stays. Users can apply the same filter and see the green leaf icon. This makes it easy to find ecologically compatible hotels on any device.

Properties must renew their certifications every year to keep their badges. Agoda checks these badges 98% accurately. This means travelers can trust the information they see. These features make it simple to find hotels that match sustainability values.

Comparing Agoda's sustainable badges with other platforms

Ecological compatibility certifications vary across platforms. Agoda focuses on five key areas, while others like Booking.com look at six. This study shows different ways to promote ecologically compatible choices in hotels. TripAdvisor’s GreenLeaders program has its own standards. It values guest feedback and transparency. Both Agoda and TripAdvisor aim to help travelers make informed choices, but in different ways.

Agoda works with Booking Holdings, ensuring consistent standards. This partnership makes audits easier and shares resources. Other platforms, like Travalyst, focus on working together across the industry. Audit frequency also varies. Agoda checks properties every year, while some do it every two years. This ensures hotels keep up high standards over time.

How sustainable travel badges differ between Agoda, Booking.com, and Tripadvisor

Mobile feature parity represents a significant distinction between the platforms. Agoda and Booking.com have similar filters for ecologically compatible options on their apps. However, TripAdvisor adds sustainability info to user reviews, showing a distinct approach. Agoda adapts to regional needs, while others stick to a global standard. These differences show how sustainable certifications are changing in travel.

Tips for travelers: making the most of sustainable travel badges

Travelers can make their trips more ecologically efficient by using verified certifications. A 2024 EU study showed 53% of low-impact claims need proof. So, it's key to check before booking.

First, check certifications on the GSTC database. Then, compare with EarthCheck reports for accuracy. This confirms properties meet real environmental standards.

Use tools to figure out your trip's carbon footprint. Many sites offer this. Also, ask for sustainability reports from places you're thinking of staying at.

Please consider checking for energy usage displays if possible. This lets you see your impact. Join the recycling programs available at your residence to help the environment become more ecologically compatible.

  • Verify certifications through GSTC database.
  • Cross-reference with EarthCheck reports.
  • Calculate carbon offset equivalencies.
  • Request sustainability reports pre-booking.
  • Monitor real-time energy usage displays.
  • Participate in recycling programs.

These tips help your travel choices match environmental goals. By doing these things, you can positively impact the planet while enjoying your trip.

The future of sustainable badges on Agoda

New tech is changing how we check environmental standards. Agoda is starting a digital academy in Q1 2025. It will teach in 12 Asian languages, reaching more people. Agoda is also testing blockchain for better trust in eco-certs in Thailand. AI will help predict environmental effects. These steps are big for the future of travel. Agoda plans to add carbon credits and use IoT sensors for real-time energy tracking. These tools help places improve and track their nature-focused efforts.

Agoda is creating local standards and training staff on low-impact practices. They will also have different levels of eco-certification. This shows the industry's dedication to being more sustainable. These steps show Agoda's commitment to a more sustainable future. By using these technologies, Agoda is leading the way in sustainable travel. This benefits both the planet and the hospitality world.

Real life examples: hotels with sustainable travel badges

Many hotels worldwide are leading in ecologically compatible practices. They show how certifications can make a big difference. For example, Singapore's PARKROYAL has cut energy use by 60%. In Bali, Bambu Indah uses 100% reclaimed materials. This cuts down on waste and supports local crafts. Cebu's Crimson Resort has banned single-use plastics, setting a high standard. Water recycling is essential at hotels in Tainan, signficantly reducing their water consumption. In Jaipur, a hotel uses solar power, reducing non-renewable energy use.

Colombo hotels focus on training locals, empowering them. Manila hotels have cut waste by 70%. Kathmandu lodges work with conservation groups to protect nature.Certification timelines vary across regions, showing local priorities. Properties adopting ecologically compatible practices make a big difference. They help the planet and improve guest experiences.

Taking sustainable next-steps

The hospitality industry is changing to meet eco-conscious demands. Now, 73% of properties offer eco-tourism packages. Tools like carbon calculators help track environmental impact in 89% of bookings. Certifications are getting better too. GSTC-recognized programs grow by 100% each year. This shows a strong commitment to higher standards. Properties can follow a clear path to earn these certifications. Looking ahead, there are plans to expand by 2025 and hold webinars. Travelers' feedback is key to help properties get better. These steps are important for a greener future.

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