TripAdvisor GreenLeaders launches in Australia
TripAdvisor today [28 October] announced plans to extend its successful TripAdvisor GreenLeaders program into Australia for the first time. Developed in consultation with the United Nations Environment Program, Ecotourism Australia and EarthCheck, the TripAdvisor GreenLeaders program aims to help travellers around the world plan greener trips by highlighting hotels and B&Bs engaging in environmentally-friendly practices.
The program, which was first available in the US, Canada and Europe, awards qualifying hotels and B&Bs with the TripAdvisor GreenLeaders status, based on green practices the property has in place – with properties tiered between Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum awards. Each award will be shown prominently on the property’s listing on TripAdvisor.
For the first time, hotels and B&Bs in Australia are able to apply for TripAdvisor GreenLeaders status, joining markets such as New Zealand, US, UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.
Eligible businesses can apply now at no cost, by going to green.tripadvisor.com.au. Each application will then be assessed against a holistic set of environmental criteria – including practices ranging from linen and towel re-use, recycling and composting through to solar panels, electric car charging stations and green roofing. The more green practices a hotel or B&B has in place, the higher the TripAdvisor GreenLeaders level it can achieve.
In Australia, a number of hotel chains have already agreed to participate in the programme, including Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, Best Western International, and Accor Hotels.
TripAdvisor GreenLeaders first launched in the US in April 2013 and has since awarded over 7600 properties in 21 countries, making it the largest green hotels program of its kind in the world. Hotels participating in the program range from small, independent establishments through to multinational brands including Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, and Select Registry.
According to a recent TripBarometer traveller survey by TripAdvisor, 81 per cent of travellers place importance on properties implementing eco-friendly practices, and 83 per cent of Australian hoteliers indicate that they currently have green practices in place.
