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Sustainable tourism label

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The aim of the sustainable tourism label is to reward and encourage destinations and tourism businesses to adopt sustainable practices to minimise their environmental and social impact. It aims to promote responsible and sustainable tourism that contributes to local economic development and the protection of the environment and host communities. The sustainable tourism label is awarded to destinations and businesses that have succeeded in meeting a set of strict sustainability criteria. If you want to change your travel habits and practise sustainable tourism, put your trust in labels and certifications that allow you to choose establishments in line with your values.

The different sustainable tourism labels

What is a label?

A label is a certification that guarantees that products or services meet a set of established criteria in terms of quality, safety and sustainability. It is awarded by organisations whose role is to regularly assess practices and products to ensure that standards are being met correctly. Labels are used to inform consumers and help them make choices from a variety of offers.
The purpose of a label is to provide official recognition for high-quality products or services. They can also help companies to differentiate themselves in a competitive market and attract consumers who are concerned about the quality and environmental impact of their purchases.

Green Key / Clef Verte

Introduced in France in 1998, the Green Key label is now the leading ecolabel for French tourist establishments. Each type of establishment – hotels, campsites, gîtes, bed and breakfasts, youth hostels and restaurants – must meet criteria covering a range of issues, from environmental policy and living environment to environmental awareness and management of water, energy and waste. The establishments are committed to an environmental approach with the aim of constantly improving their practices. By choosing a Clef Verte-labelled establishment, you are placing your trust in a professional who implements responsible and sustainable solutions.

Label Clef Verte
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      Ecolabel

      Most commonly used for household products or cosmetics, it also certifies other products and services. A sign of strong commitment, the Ecolabel is awarded to accommodation located in the European Union that complies with ecological requirements. In the same way as traditional labels, tourist establishments must meet the criteria imposed by the organisation, covering energy and water consumption, as well as the use of certified products. This European sustainable tourism label guarantees the high quality of the services offered to protect the environment, and advocates products that respect health and the environment. Accommodations that demonstrate a reduction in their environmental impact offer travellers an eco-friendly holiday.

      Green Globe

      Green Globe is an international sustainable tourism label recognised by the World Tourism Organisation. This certification applies to all tourism stakeholders: accommodation, restaurants, tourist sites and even theme parks. The 44 assessment criteria are divided into 4 groups: environment, sustainable management, social economy and cultural heritage. The certification standard was developed in 1992 and guarantees the highest level of sustainable operation and management. There are 3 levels of certification, with members starting with certification and progressing to Gold and Platinum as they develop and improve their performance in honour of the environment.

      Ecogite

      The Ecogite label, awarded by Gîtes de France, certifies that the approved gîte has taken an ecotourism approach. To qualify as an Ecogite, the accommodation must have been designed or restored using techniques or materials recognised as having a low impact on the environment. This concept puts the emphasis on the origin and nature of the materials used, which are sought from renewable resources, from short production cycles, with the least energy consumption and the least pollution. It meets town-planning requirements, and its architecture must be consistent with the built or natural environment so that it blends into the landscape. In terms of energy management, Ecogite-certified accommodation should use renewable energies (solar, wood, etc.) and avoid fossil fuels or non-renewable energies. Electricity consumption and water management must be kept under control. The host can also implement waste sorting, recycling and composting. The aim is to limit the impact on the environment.

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          Gîte panda

          The Gîte Panda label was created by WWF France in 1993. In partnership with Gîtes de France, it covers several types of accommodation, including rural gîtes, bed and breakfasts and self-catering gîtes. The aim of this sustainable tourism project is to raise awareness of the need to protect and conserve the environment. Accommodation providers undertake to protect and enhance the natural environment and the species around them on a daily basis. This sustainable tourism label is a certification awarded under certain conditions, such as the quality of the gîte’s environmental setting and raising tourist awareness. The Gîte Panda label is based on 4 pillars: nature protection, eco-housing, eco-citizenship and raising travellers’ awareness of environmental protection.

          Marseille, a certified city

          The Marseille Convention and Visitors Bureau has been ISO 20121 certified since October 2021, which means that the operation of its BtoB and in-house activities has been rethought with a view to setting an example and limiting its carbon footprint, the aim being to consolidateits commitment to sustainable development. The strategy implemented aims to mobilise all of the city’s tourism stakeholders by setting up support and funding programmes in partnership with sustainable tourism labels, in particular Clef Verte and Ecotable. Since its inception, the programme has led to the certification of a large number of accommodation establishments and restaurants.

          In 2021, the city will also join the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS-Index) programme, which provides a rating based on a comparative analysis and performance improvement of international sustainable destinations. This approach will help to improve the quality of life in these areas and enhance the quality of the welcome and discovery offered to travellers.

          In collaboration with Marseille Chanot, the Office de Tourisme, des Loisirs et des Congrès has been awarded the Sustainable Innovative Destination label for 2022. This means that Marseille is able to welcome travellers under favourable conditions while minimising the negative impacts associated with tourist activities.

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