With 75% of global travelers saying they want to travel more sustainably in 2024, eco-certification is no longer optional for accommodations that want to attract this growing demographic. Booking.com has now introduced significant updates aimed at making sustainability certification more accessible, impactful, and affordable for short-term rental managers. Here’s what’s changing, why it matters, and what actions you should consider.

What’s New? Shifting to Verified, Third-Party Certifications with Added Support

Earlier this year, Booking.com stopped awarding its own “Travel Sustainable” badge based on self-reported eco-practices, a program that had raised questions about “greenwashing”—meaning it wasn’t always clear if the claims were verified. By switching to verified, third-party certifications, Booking.com now ensures that eco-friendly properties can prove they’re genuinely sustainable, boosting credibility in the eyes of travelers.

Now, Booking.com is adding layers of support to make it easier for property managers to get certified. This update includes customized guidance, financial help, and practical resources designed specifically to help properties like yours earn third-party certification.

Why It Matters – Breaking Down the Benefits

Personalized Certification Recommendations

Booking.com now offers tailored recommendations for third-party certifications based on your property’s unique setup. For example, a rural boutique rental might benefit from a certification that highlights local community engagement, while an urban high-rise might focus more on energy efficiency.

Action You Can Take: Instead of guessing which certification is best, you can use Booking.com’s guidance to pick one that aligns with what your property is already doing well—saving you time and effort.

Financial Assistance to Reduce Certification Costs

One major hurdle for sustainability certification is the cost, which can be especially burdensome for smaller properties. Booking.com now offers support on accessing funding, discounts, or even subsidies for certification fees. This removes a big barrier for property managers who want to be sustainable but don’t want to break the bank.

Action You Can Take: Use Booking.com’s funding resources to secure a discounted rate on a certification program. For instance, if a full certification normally costs $500, discounted rates or payment plans could make it feasible, letting you allocate funds to other property needs.

Step-by-Step Educational Resources for Implementing Changes

The updated Partner Hub now has resources that go beyond just theory. You’ll find practical guides, like checklists for reducing water usage, best practices for waste reduction, and even ways to engage your local community. These materials are designed to help you implement real, actionable changes that are easy to start and scale over time.

Action You Can Take: Start small by using the water conservation checklist from the Partner Hub. Implementing simple fixes, like low-flow showerheads, can lead to immediate savings on water bills and can improve your standing in eco-certification programs.

Higher Visibility on Booking.com for Certified Properties

Certified properties gain an eco-label that appears on Booking.com listings, alongside a filter option that helps travelers specifically search for sustainable stays. This means your property can stand out to eco-conscious travelers who are actively looking for green options.

Action You Can Take: Use this visibility to emphasize your eco-friendly features in your listing photos and description. Mention practical initiatives, like “100% solar-powered lighting” or “composting available on-site,” so potential guests see clear evidence of your commitment.

How to Get Started: Accessing These Resources

To take advantage of these resources, log into your Booking.com Extranet dashboard, where you’ll find all the available options under the Partner Hub. Booking.com is currently partnering with BeCause, a sustainability data platform, which lets you connect your property’s sustainability data directly to certification bodies.

This streamlines the verification process so your certification stays current and accurately reflects your property’s practices.

What’s Next – Turning Sustainability into a Booking Advantage

Booking.com is committed to growing its eco-certification program with support from respected organizations like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and UN Tourism.

If you’re wondering whether sustainability is worth the investment, consider data from other property owners: Bob Garner, a property manager, has shared that 90% of his bookings come from guests specifically looking for eco-friendly accommodations. Data like this shows how going green can directly boost bookings and set you apart in competitive markets.

In a time when travelers are actively seeking sustainable stays, taking steps toward certification isn’t just about meeting demand – it’s a way to build a loyal guest base that values your commitment.