Eco-Certification
The Malta Tourism Authority endorses GSTC, Green Key, and the EU Eco label to promote the environmental, socioeconomic and cultural sustainability of hotels, guest houses and other tourist accommodations across the Maltese Islands.
Why become eco-certified?
The Malta Tourism Authority endorses GSTC, Green Key and the EU Ecolabel as key certifications for promoting environmental, socioeconomic and cultural sustainability in hotels, guest houses and other tourist accommodations across the Maltese Islands. These internationally recognized standards ensure responsible tourism practices that benefit both visitors and the local community.
Accommodation providers seeking certification or further details on the scheme are encouraged to contact the Quality Assured Unit via email at ecolabel@visitmalta.com or by calling +356 2291 5701.
Eco-certification is ideal for tourism accommodation establishments aiming to reduce environmental impact, lower operational costs, enhance corporate social responsibility, improve their image and attract environmentally conscious travellers. The scheme offers direct benefits, such as lower energy and water consumption, waste reduction, decreased purchasing costs and increased profitability.
Eco-certified hotels foster environmental awareness among guests and employees, encouraging sustainable practices both during their stay and in their daily lives.
GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable travel and tourism by establishing and managing global standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. These standards serve as a universal framework for sustainability in the tourism industry, helping destinations, businesses, and stakeholders implement responsible practices.
The GSTC Criteria are divided into two sets: the Destination Criteria, designed for public policymakers and destination managers, and the Industry Criteria, aimed at hotels and tour operators. These guidelines result from a global effort to develop a shared understanding of sustainability in tourism.
The Criteria are structured into four key pillars:
- (A) Sustainable management, which focuses on governance, planning, and responsible business practices;
- (B) Socioeconomic impacts, addressing the fair distribution of tourism benefits, employment, and community engagement;
- (C) Cultural impacts, ensuring the preservation and promotion of local heritage, traditions, and identities; and
- (D) Environmental impacts, which cover resource efficiency, biodiversity conservation, and climate action.
Recognising the diversity of tourism destinations, the GSTC Criteria are designed to be adaptable to local contexts, allowing for customization based on unique cultural, environmental, and legal conditions. They can also be supplemented by additional criteria specific to particular locations and tourism activities. Businesses looking to enhance their sustainability efforts can explore certification as a sustainable hotel/accommodation or participate in sustainable tourism training.
For updates and insights, visit GSTC News, or contact GSTC for more information.
GreenKey
The Green Key certificate is a globally recognised standard for environmental responsibility and sustainability within the tourism industry. Awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), it represents a firm commitment by tourism establishments to adhere to strict environmental criteria, ensuring responsible operations that reduce their ecological footprint.
A Green Key-certified establishment guarantees guests that their choice contributes to environmental preservation. These businesses implement sustainable practices such as energy and water conservation, waste management, and responsible sourcing. The Green Key Criteria ensure that certified establishments maintain high environmental standards through rigorous documentation and frequent audits.
Green Key certification is available to a variety of tourism-related businesses, including hotels, hostels, small accommodations, campsites, holiday parks, conference centres, restaurants, and attractions. By achieving this certification, establishments not only enhance their sustainability efforts but also gain recognition for their commitment to eco-friendly operations.
The certification process involves meeting specific environmental requirements and undergoing an assessment. Businesses interested in obtaining certification can follow the application process and participate in training programmes to enhance their sustainability efforts.
For travellers and industry professionals looking to identify Green Key-certified locations worldwide, the Green Key global map provides an overview of certified establishments.
To stay updated on the latest developments, visit Green Key News or contact Green Key for more information.
EU EcoLabel
The EU Ecolabel is a globally recognised voluntary certification promoting goods and services that meet high environmental standards based on scientific evidence and standardised processes.
Its framework is outlined in the official Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council and is managed by the European Commission and Member States under the Strategic Working Plan for the EU Ecolabel.
As the only EU-wide ISO 14024 Type I ecolabelling scheme, it addresses key environmental impacts throughout a product’s entire lifecycle – from raw material extraction to disposal. Independent third-party verification ensures strict compliance with EU Ecolabel criteria.
EU Ecolabel for Tourist Accommodation
The EU Ecolabel certifies tourist accommodations, including hotels and campsites, that meet high environmental standards. Certified establishments optimise waste management and reduce energy and water consumption, ensuring sustainable stays for eco-conscious travellers.
More information is available on the website of the European Commission.
Tourist Accommodation User Manual
Published by the Directorate-General for Environment on July 29, 2022, this manual provides comprehensive guidance for tourist accommodations aiming to obtain the EU Ecolabel certification. It includes detailed criteria, application procedures, and necessary documentation to assist establishments in meeting the required environmental standards.
The manual can be accessed here.
Eco-certified Hotels
The attached hotels are currently certified under one or more of these recognised sustainability programmes
By choosing an eco-certified hotel, visitors contribute to Malta’s sustainability efforts while enjoying a high-quality, responsible tourism experience.