Voluntary Initiatives for Sustainability in Tourism
Ecolabels

LUXEMBOURG ECOLABEL
The diversity of the landscape and culture of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, with the attractions of its towns, its national parks and its forests, is reflected in the excellent accommodation offered here. Since 1999, visitors can choose from a range of particularly environmentally-friendly hotels, youth hostels, private accommodation, holiday apartments, gîtes and campsites by the Upper Sûre Reservoir, in the Our Valley or in the city of Luxembourg. In addition to a high environmental standard, the 21 establishments offer excellent local produce and high-quality service.

http://www.emweltzenter.lu
SWISS ECOLABEL
The Ibex-label allows Swiss hotels and restaurants to show their engagement for all sustainability responsibilities: environment, staff and the entire society as well as economic results. A hotel is distinguished with up to 5 ibexes. Fifteen hotels in six Swiss cantons have been awarded 3, 4 or 5 ibexes to date. These hotels encompass both traditional 3* to 5* hotels as well as hotels which are strongly oriented towards ecological issues. All of them - according to the labelled level - care both for the guest’s well-being as well as for nature and society.

http://www.oe-plus.ch

DUTCH ECOLABEL
In the Netherlands the Milieubarometer shows visitors what level of environmental quality is offered by the tourism business, with its wide range of leisure facilities for families, youth groups and other visitors. Since 1998, three different categories of the Milieubarometer can be reached. Bronze is good, Silver is even better and Gold fulfils even the high standards of the State eco-label Milieukeur. Visitors can enjoy their holiday at these sites with a clear conscience.

http://www.milieubarometer.com

UK ECOLABEL
The Green Tourism Business Scheme is the UK’s tourism eco-label. The scheme was developed in 1998 by VisitScotland (The Scottish National Tourist Board). It has over 450 businesses in Scotland ranging from croft houses and distillery visitor attractions in the Scottish Islands, to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, major sporting estates and hotels as well as family run self-catering cottages, youth hostels, visitor attractions and bed and breakfasts. All businesses must meet a relevant quality standard (star rating). The scheme is being adopted in England with 100 members in key destinations in Devon, the East of England, Blackpool and the North West. There are 3 levels of awards, Bronze for good practice, Silver for best practice and Gold for overall excellence in environment and sustainable practices.

http://www.green-business.co.uk
FRENCH & DANISH ECOLABEL
Since 1994, The Green Key has been awarded to hotels, youth hostels, holiday cottages and camping sites. Whether you want to go on a seaside and island holiday with family or friends, stay in a comfortable guesthouse in Kalundborg with a youth group, or in a luxury hotel in Copenhagen, over 100 establishments offer excellent environmental quality, which visitors will notice as soon as they arrive. Since 2001, Green Key has been awarded to establishments in Estonia, Greenland and Sweden.

http://www.laclefverte.org
ITALIAN ECOLABEL
Since 1997, when the certification system “recommended eco-friendly hotels” was first launched in the bathing resort of Riccione, Legambiente Turismo’s scheme has been steadily growing. In 2004, 192 hotels and 46 other accommodation businesses (totalling over 45.000 beds), 42 bathing establishments and 20 camping sites along the coasts, mountains and cities-of-art in Italy were awarded Legambiente Turismo’s eco-label with the well-known Green Swan logo. Its criteria include a better use of water and energy resources, reduced waste production, good local cuisine and breakfast choice of organic ingredients, tips to help visitors become acquainted with the local culture and natural environment, and cycle hire.

http://www.legambienteturismo.it
LATVIAN ECOLABEL

There are 53 accommodation businesses in the Latvian countryside.

Pristine lakes and rivers flowery meadows forest grown hills and sandy beaches make up the beautiful variety of landscapes in Latvia. The natural bounty can be enjoyed best in the countryside where attractions of nature combine with the hospitality of rural homes creating a visitor friendly environment. Since 1999 the green certificate has awarded rural tourism establishments in Latvia such as country homes vacation cottages guesthouses and camping sites combining environmental quality with a high standard of services.

http://www.eco.celotajs.lv