SABRE Holdings, a global technology company for the travel industry, launched the Sabre Eco-Certified Hotel Programme, a scheme that provides clear-and-easy access to sustainable properties. The initiative addresses the growing demand for environmentally-responsible accommodation and includes more than 4,700 hotels certified by globally-recognised certification schemes.
These hotels will be clearly distinguished in Sabre Travel Network’s global distribution system (GDS) and reflected in other Sabre Holdings’ products.
“With leadership comes responsibility,” said Harald Eisenaecher, senior vice president of Sabre Travel Network in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
“Sabre is focused on the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the travel industry and is committed to providing customers with products and services that help promote these same long-term values throughout their businesses.”
More than 180,000 Sabre Red Workspace users can shop and book eco-certified hotels using the current hotel-search tool, which now includes an easy-to-spot icon and a unique amenity code.
The Sabre Eco-Certified Hotel Programme builds upon Sabre-owned Travelocity’s Green Hotel Directory, launched in 2009, and extends the programme to recognise hotels certified as sustainable by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s guidelines. Travelocity is still the only major online travel company that helps users find green hotels with an eco-friendly tag.
Travelocity Business designates eco-certified hotels to help agents and travellers shop and book participating hotels.
For suppliers, the Sabre Eco-Certified Hotel Programme provides hotels a new and innovative way to differentiate themselves, reinforce their brand and tap into the growing number of travellers and travel planners looking for sustainable hotel options.
The company’s efforts with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and its use of the GSTC criteria are testament to the value of cross-sector and cross-industry collaboration in developing and promoting necessary global frameworks. In addition, Sabre directed an industry-leading path for standards with the introduction of carbon calculation and reporting tools for airlines, hotels, and car rental companies.