TripAdvisor has extended its GreenLeaders program to Australia and New Zealand, allowing users to search for hotels and B&Bs with environmentally friendly practices.
The program, developed in consultation with the United Nations Environment Program, Ecotourism Australia and EarthCheck, now lists over 8000 properties worldwide – 170 in Australia and NZ.
The GreenLeaders badge will be displayed on a property’s listing page, with users able to check green practices from linen and towel re-use, recycling and composting to solar panels, electric car charging stations and green roofs.
“More and more travellers around the world are placing importance on properties that implement eco-friendly practices,” TripAdvisor manager of responsible travel Ryan Dillonat said.
Liz Meagher, the owner of eco-friendly accommodation Angler’s Rest in NSW, said eco tourism was all inclusive and played an essential role in the future of hospitality.
“We are continuously reducing our footprint and providing additional information to our guests about the significance of the local ecology,” she said. “We have chosen to do this simply because we enjoy doing so, we believe it is the right thing to do so we gain a sense of satisfaction with each step we take, and we are delighted that we now have the opportunity to highlight our eco tourism passion to potential customers via TripAdvisor.”
