Best Sustainability Certifications for Hotels & Tourism

Green tourism certifications help hotels, resorts, tour operators, and destinations demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. As travelers increasingly seek eco-friendly options, these certifications provide credibility, competitive differentiation, and frameworks for reducing environmental impact. These are the most recognized programs worldwide.

10 programs ranked·Updated March 2026

EarthCheck

The world's leading scientific benchmarking and certification program for the travel and tourism industry. EarthCheck has certified over 5,000 businesses across 70+ countries.

For Buildings

View EarthCheck

Green Globe Certification

A global certification for sustainable tourism and travel. Green Globe covers hotels, resorts, attractions, and conference centers across 83 countries with over 500 indicators.

For Products

View Green Globe Certification

Green Key Global certification

Green Key

One of the largest eco-label programs for hotels and accommodations worldwide. Green Key is recognized by the World Tourism Organization and operates in over 65 countries.

For Organizations

From $500View Green Key Global certification

VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality

Forbes Travel Guide

Forbes Travel Guide's sustainability verification for luxury hospitality. VERIFIED covers hotels, resorts, restaurants, and spas with a focus on environmental, social, and governance criteria.

For Organizations

From $0View VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality

Sustainable Tourism Education Program (STEP)

Sustainable Travel International

Sustainable Travel International's program helping tourism businesses measure, improve, and certify their sustainability performance. STEP provides a structured pathway to sustainable operations.

For Organizations

View Sustainable Tourism Education Program

Green Tourism Business Scheme

Green Business UK Ltd

The UK's leading sustainable tourism certification. The Green Tourism Business Scheme assesses accommodations, attractions, and activity providers across energy, water, waste, and community impact.

For Organizations

View Green Tourism Business Scheme

ibex fairstay

Switzerland's sustainability label for the hotel industry. ibex fairstay evaluates management, ecology, social responsibility, and economic performance across all hotel types.

For Products

View ibex fairstay

International Eco Certification Program

Ecotourism Australia

Ecotourism Australia's certification for nature-based and eco-tourism operators. The International Eco Certification Program is the gold standard for ecotourism experiences in the Asia-Pacific region.

For Products

View International Eco Certification Program

Nature's Best Ecotourism

Swedish Ecotourism Society

The Swedish Ecotourism Society's quality label for ecotourism experiences. Nature's Best certifies tour operators who demonstrate respect for nature, cultural heritage, and local communities.

For Organizations

View Nature's Best Ecotourism

WITT Certification

WITT (Wellness in Travel & Tourism)

Wellness in Travel & Tourism certification focusing on health and wellbeing in hospitality. WITT helps tourism businesses integrate wellness principles into their operations and guest experiences.

For Organizations

From $750View WITT Certification

How we rank these certifications

Rankings are based on global market adoption, third-party recognition by standards bodies, number of certified projects or holders, geographic availability, and rigor of assessment requirements. Data is sourced from each program's official registry and our database of 748+ certification programs.