Booking.com’s New Sustainability Program: Guide for Accommodation Partners

Booking.com Launches the Next Phase of its Sustainability Program for Accommodation Partners overview

AMSTERDAM, 28 October 2024 - Booking.com, one of the world’s leading digital travel platforms, has announced the latest evolution of the partner-focused facet of its sustainability program, putting the needs of accommodations front and center by testing an improved pathway to third-party certification.

Important details from the source

• Sustainability now plays a core role in business operations across the travel and tourism industry, and substantiating these efforts through third-party certifications is increasingly critical.
• However, certifications are not yet widespread across global accommodation supply; 63%** of Booking.com partners surveyed shared they would like to know which third-party certifications are available in their region, while 75%** would like to know which practices to implement.
• The new program sets out to address these questions.
• From today, via their individual Booking.com extranet, partners will be able to access tailored insights that guide them towards third-party certifications best suited to their property’s profile, needs and operations.
• During the early testing phase, a subset of third-party certifications will feature, with sustainability software provider BeCause making it easier for both accommodation partners and certification providers to share their data at scale.
• In parallel, partners will also receive targeted tips and resources related to the actions they could start taking across categories including water, food waste, energy, plastic and local community.
• The guidance is generated based on their responses to a detailed survey that gathers the accommodation's characteristics, location and existing sustainability efforts and credentials.
• With almost a quarter (24%)** of partners sharing concerns that the cost of third-party certification is too high, Booking.com will also provide information on organizations that provide funding, discounts on certifications and reduced fees for ongoing subscription.
• In addition, partners will maintain access to educational resources, from a wide variety of materials on the company’s Partner Hub, including a handbook on more sustainable hospitality, to online courses developed in partnership with UN Tourism.
• Accommodations that have achieved a third-party certification will continue to have that information clearly displayed on Booking.com which, coupled with the ability to filter searches accordingly, further helps travelers easily identify corresponding properties.

How to use this guide

Use this guide as a structured discovery starting point. Compare the listed options by travel style, season, location, time available, and practical booking needs before making a final decision.

Best for

• Readers comparing several destinations, places, or ideas in one topic.
• Travellers who want inspiration before narrowing down the final plan.
• Users who need a fast overview before checking detailed offers or local conditions.

Things to check before deciding

• Current prices, availability, opening times, and travel conditions.
• Seasonality, weather, local holidays, and peak demand periods.
• Distance from the main arrival point, accommodation area, or planned route.
• Whether the option matches the traveller’s budget, pace, and expectations.

Frequently asked questions

How should I use Booking.com Launches the Next Phase of its Sustainability Program for Accommodation Partners?

Use it to compare options, identify the most relevant ideas, and decide which places or services need deeper research before booking.

Is this guide enough for final planning?

No. A guide is a planning layer. Final planning should include current prices, availability, travel dates, local conditions, and provider terms.

Does 4ME TRAVEL sell these options directly?

4ME TRAVEL provides editorial discovery and may connect readers with relevant partner offers. Final booking, payment, availability, and service conditions are handled by the selected provider.

Conclusion

Booking.com Launches the Next Phase of its Sustainability Program for Accommodation Partners is useful as a comparison starting point. The safest approach is to shortlist the most relevant options, then verify current conditions and booking details before making a final choice.