Environmentally-friendly travel is becoming more and more important to consumers, but knowing where and when to book such travel can be a bit of a minefield. Companies like TUI are aiming to reduce that booking confusion, by highlighting their hotels and practises that are as green as possible. This is exactly where the Green & Fair range steps in: these are the hotels that meet the criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, meaning that you can travel with peace of mind.
What does Green & Fair mean?
Any hotel accredited with the Green & Fair label must meet the criteria set by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. These criteria are split into a number of subsections, and simply put are as follows:
- The hotels must be sustainably managed, with a long term plan on how to continuously improve on this.
- The hotel must have a positive impact on the local community
- The hotel must promote and protect the cultural heritage of the destination in which it sits
- The hotel must strive to support the local natural environment as much as possible
The accreditation of each of the hotels is undertaken by an independent body, so you can be sure that the criteria really has been met.
Our Pick of TUI’s Green & Fair Hotels
Riu Palace Tikida Taghazout, Morocco
The Riu Palace Tikida Taghazout is proof that you don’t have to scrimp on style or luxury when looking for eco-friendly travel. This sprawling five-star hotel boasts its own private stretch of coastline, alongside seven swimming pools and a tranquil onsite spa. The interiors are all rich jewel tones in the communal areas, while bedrooms are sleek and light.
Royalton Riviera Cancun, Mexico
This beachfront hotel is positively brimming with amenities and onsite activities, ensuring that there will never be a dull moment on a getaway to this postcard-worthy stretch of Mexico’s coastline. Out at sea, there are kayaks and snorkels to hire, while back on dry land exercise classes and tennis courts await. Looking for something a little more chilled? Spend your time cocktail hopping between the hotel’s 12 bars or simply recline with a good book beside one of the seven pools here.
Riu Madeira, Portugal
The verdant island of Madeira is a popular hotspot with holidaymakers looking for sunshine during the shoulder seasons, and where better to enjoy it than this four-star hotel. You’ll find dramatic views out over the Atlantic, truly decadent interiors and two outdoor pools to plunge into: sounds pretty dreamy, right?
Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof, Austria
The city of Vienna has been home to some of the world’s greatest minds: Mozart, Beethoven and Freud all lived here and with its refined grandeur and sense of history, we’re not surprised that they chose to call the city their home. The Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof is a great base from which to explore the city, its main restaurant champions Austrian food while the rooms are spacious and comfortable—just what you need after days spent exploring!