Which Ecolabel Is Right for Your Hotel? Let’s Break It Down.

If you’ve been hearing a lot about “getting certified” or “going green,” but you’re still wondering what ecolabels actually mean for your Hotel in the real world, you’re not alone.

We get it. There’s Green Globe, Travelife, Green Key, EarthCheck, The Oceanic Standard… it sounds like alphabet soup. But the truth is, these certifications aren’t just fancy stamps. They’re signals to your guests that say:
“We care. We’re doing the work. You can trust us.”

And in today’s market, trust matters more than ever.

So, what are ecolabels?

Think of them like a sustainability report card.
They help hotels and resorts prove that they’re reducing waste, saving energy, treating staff well, supporting local communities, and protecting the planet.

Better yet, they open doors, literally.
Booking.com, Expedia, and major tour operators are actively promoting certified hotels. Guests are searching for that green badge when they book.

Here’s what you need to know:

Green Globe is like the Ivy League. Globally respected, incredibly thorough. It’s great for big resorts or properties with international affiliations.

Travelife is practical and people-focused. Ideal for small to mid-sized hotels that want to make real changes with solid, step-by-step support.

Green Key is big on awareness and education. If your staff is passionate and your team loves to get involved, this one’s a great match.

EarthCheck is data-heavy. It’s for the number crunchers, the resorts that want to track their carbon footprint and measure everything.

The Oceanic Standard? Think waves, reefs, and plastic-free beach days. It’s tailor-made for coastal properties that want to protect the sea that draws visitors in the first place.

So, which one’s right for you?

There’s no one-size-fits-all.
A five-room villa in Soufrière has different needs than a 200-room resort in Rodney Bay. But every business, no matter the size can take steps to show up better for the planet and the people who visit.

If you’re just starting out, Travelife or Green Key may feel the most manageable.
If you’re already making waves with in-house sustainability teams, Green Globe or EarthCheck might be your next big move.

And if you’re beachfront, The Oceanic Standard is calling your name.

Start Where You Are

Certification isn’t about perfection.
It’s about commitment. About taking that first step and saying, “We want to do better.”
And here in St. Lucia, where the environment is not just a backdrop it’s our brand we owe it to ourselves and our guests to lead with intention.

Want to explore your options or need help getting started?

We’re just a call away.
📧 info@reidconsultancyservices.com
🌐 www.reidconsultancyservices.com

Let’s build something meaningful—together.

Written by:

Rodesha Reid

Principal Consultant: Reid Consultancy Services

Chairwoman; SLHTA Environment Committee