TripAdvisor to Help Travelers Plan Greener Trips

Leading travel site TripAdvisor today announced plans to extend its TripAdvisor GreenLeaders program into Canada and Europe for the first time, following its introduction in the U.S.

The program is developed in consultation with the United Nations Environment Programme, the U.S. Green Building Council, Energy Star, and the International Center for Responsible Tourism Canada.

It aims to help travelers around the world plan greener trips by highlighting hotels and B&Bs (Bed & Breakfasts) engaging in environmentally friendly practices.

For the first time, hotels and B&Bs in 19 markets, including Canada, U.K., Ireland, Germany, France, Italy and Spain, are able to apply for TripAdvisor GreenLeaders status, to add to those in the U.S. that were already able to apply.

The program that until now was offered only in the U.S. awards qualifying hotels and B&Bs with TripAdvisor GreenLeaders status based on the 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.

Eligible businesses can apply now at no cost for properties in the U.S., for properties in Canada and for properties in the U.K.

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 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.