Collection of MED sustainable tourism certifications


Tourism sustainability certification is one of the recognized instruments which address the growing need for responsible use of natural and cultural resources, increasing competition in tourism sector and changing consumption patterns.

This collection presents existing certifications for recognising sustainable tourism practices which can be applied in Mediterranean destinations. Their main characteristics are the following:

Collection of MED sustainable tourism certifications was created in the scope of the Interreg MED project LABELSCAPE. Despite being focused primarily on MED area, the geographical implication of the collection is much wider - it includes also renown certifications on European and global level.

Collection is accompanied by search tool which enables query based on thematic fields (keywords), geographical scope, type of certified area or link to GSTC criteria. This way destination management organisations can find tourism certifications which correspond to the needs and the goals of their destination.

Keywords:

Geographical coverage:

Area type:

Link to GTSC Standards:





30 results are found



Name of the Label Logo Website Description Keywords Geographical Coverage Type of the labelled area Link to GSTC standards Duration of validity Map/list of the labelled entity Name of the certifying body Postal address Email address
Bandiera Arancione
Bandiera_Arancione.png
https://www.bandierearancioni.it
Label awards small towns for excellency in tourism, hospitality and the environment. Gastronomy offer
Natural heritage
Quality of life
Sustainable mobility
Waste management
Cultural heritage
Environment
Italy Destination / 3 years
https://www.bandierearancioni.it/localita
Touring Club Italiano Via Cornelio Tacito 6
20137 Milano
Italia
bandiere.arancioni@touringclub.it
Biosphere
Biosphere.png
https://www.biospheretourism.com
Label guarantees compliance with the principles of sustainability and continuous improvement, through a private, voluntary and independent certification system. Waste management
Social responsibility
Accessibility
Sustainable mobility
Biodiversity
Sustainable tourism
Cultural heritage
Environment
Light pollution
Natural heritage
Protected areas
Quality of life
GLOBAL LEVEL Park
Beach
Destination
GSTC-Recognized Standard 1 year
https://www.biospheretourism.com/en/biosphere-destinations-community/92
The Responsible Tourism Institute /
info@biospheretourism.com
Blue Flag
Blue_Flag.png
https://www.blueflag.global
Label recognises environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility qualities of the beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. Accessibility
Coast protection
Environment
Marine ecosystems
Natural heritage
Quality of life
Social responsibility
Sustainable tourism
Waste management
Nautical offer
Protected areas
GLOBAL LEVEL Beach / 1 year
https://www.blueflag.global/
Foundation for Environmental Education Scandiagade 13
2450 Copenhagen SV
Denmark
info@fee.global
Borghi Autentici d’Italia
Borghi_Autentici_d_Italia.jpg
https://www.borghiautenticiditalia.it
Label represents destinations with sustainable, fair and local development model which respects places, people and local identities. Gastronomy offer
Natural heritage
Quality of life
Cultural heritage
Italy Destination / No limitation (with regular monitoring
https://www.borghiautenticiditalia.it/borghi
Associazione Borghi Autentici d’Italia Viale Guglielmo Marconi 27/b
43039 Salsomaggiore Terme
Italy
associazione@borghiautentici.it
Calidad turistica “Q” de espacios naturales protegidos
Calidad_turistica_Q.png
http://www.redeuroparc.org/actividades/sistema-de-calidad-turistica
Label introduces a quality management system for protected areas. Natural heritage
Protected areas
Environment
Spain Park
Destination
/ 2 years
http://www.redeuroparc.org/actividades/sistema-de-calidad-turistica/espacios-naturales-protegidos-con-la-q
Instituto para la Calidad Turística Española C/ Raimundo Fernández Villaverde 57
28003 Madrid
Spain
info@icte.es
Cittaslow
Cittaslow.png
https://www.cittaslow.org
Label designates small and medium-sized towns aiming to preserve the spirit of community and to transmit knowledge to the new generations to make them aware of their cultural heritage. Environment
Light pollution
Natural heritage
Accessibility
Cultural heritage
Quality of life
Social responsibility
Sustainable mobility
Sustainable tourism
Waste management
GLOBAL LEVEL Destination / 5 years
http://www.cittaslow.org
Cittaslow International Palazzo dei Sette
Corso Cavour 87
05018 Orvieto
Italy
info@cittaslow.net
Destination pour tous
Destination_pour_tous.jpg
https://www.tourisme-handicaps.org/destination-pour-tous/
Label recognises destinations offering inclusive extended stay for everyone, residents of the territory or outside visitors, taking into account all situations of disability, including physical, sensory, cognitive, mental or psychic and polyhandicap, but also the loss of autonomy linked to age and obstacles to movement linked to the family situation. Accessibility
Quality of life
France Destination / 3 years
https://www.entreprises.gouv.fr/fr/tourisme/tourisme-pour-tous-et-accessibilite/destination-pour-tous-marque-pour-valoriser-tourisme
Destination pour tous 15 avenue Carnot
75017 Paris
France
ass-tourisme-et-handicaps@orange.fr
Destino Turístico Starlight
Destino_Turístico_Starlight.png
https://fundacionstarlight.org/en/
Label recognises destinations with excellent sky quality which offer observation of the sky as part of the natural, scenic, cultural or scientific heritage. Cultural heritage
Environment
Light pollution
Natural heritage
Protected areas
GLOBAL LEVEL Destination / 2 years
https://fundacionstarlight.org/en/cmsAdmin/uploads/o_1e4b2i0s4l03150t1frltuift9a.pdf
Fundación Starlight Calle Vía Láctea S/N
38205 San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Tenerife
Spain
fundacionstarlight@fundacionstarlight.org
EarthCheck
EarthCheck.jpg
https://earthcheck.org
Label represents clean, safe, prosperous and healthy destinations for travellers to visit, live, work and play. Waste management
Sustainable tourism
Accessibility
Biodiversity
Cultural heritage
Environment
Natural heritage
Protected areas
Quality of life
Light pollution
Social responsibility
Sustainable mobility
GLOBAL LEVEL Park
Destination
GSTC-Recognized Standard 1 year
https://earthcheck.org/search-members/interactive-map/
EarthCheck 189 Grey Street
South Brisbane QLD 4101
Australia
info@earthcheck.org
Estações Náuticas de Portugal
Estacoes_Nauticas_de_Portugal.png
http://www.forumoceano.pt/p260-estacoes-nauticas-de-portugal-pt
This network addresses the integrated valorisation of the nautical resources in a given territory. The network is envisaged to provide nautical activities and water sports, as well as additional services such as accommodation, restaurants and other activities and tourism services. Natural heritage
Nautical offer
Waste management
Accessibility
Coast protection
Cultural heritage
Environment
Marine ecosystems
Portugal Destination / 5 years
http://www.forumoceano.pt/p235-estacoes-nauticas-certificadas--pt?site_lingua=en
Fórum Oceano UPTEC - Plo do Mar
Avenida da Liberdade S/N
4450-718 Lea da Palmeira
Portugal
geral@forumoceano.pt
European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas
Europark.png
https://www.europarc.org/sustainable-tourism
Charter certifies protected areas which have successfully implemented a sustainable tourism strategy by ensuring that tourism contributes to a balanced economic, social and environmental development. Quality of life
Social responsibility
Cultural heritage
Environment
Natural heritage
EUROPEAN LEVEL Destination
Park
/ 5 years
https://www.europarc.org/sustainable-tourism/network-sustainable-destinations/
EUROPARC Federation Waffnergasse 6
93047 Regensburg
Germany
europarc@europarc.org
European Heritage Label
European_Heritage_Label.jpg
https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/creative-europe/actions/heritage-label_en
Label represents the sites perceived as the milestones in the creation of today’s Europe, symbolising European ideals, values, history and integration. Cultural heritage
Social responsibility
Accessibility
EUROPEAN LEVEL Destination
Site
/ Permanent (with regular monitoring)
https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/creative-europe/actions/heritage-label/sites_en
European Commission https://ec.europa.eu/culture/cultural-heritage/initiatives-and-success-stories/european-heritage-label/european-heritage-label-national-coordinators
EAC-UNITE-D2@ec.europa.eu
European Wilderness Quality Standard 2.0
European_Wilderness_Quality_Standard.jpg
https://wilderness-society.org/european-wilderness-definition/european-wilderness-quality-standard-audit-system/
Standard sets minimum levels that help identify areas of wilderness, give them incentives to protect their wilderness and to guarantee long-term public access to it. Biodiversity
Coast protection
Environment
Mountain areas
Natural heritage
Protected areas
EUROPEAN LEVEL Park / 5 or 10 years
http://european-wilderness.network/
European Wilderness Society Dechant Franz Fuchs Strasse 5
A-5580 Tamsweg
Austria
Contact form: https://wilderness-society.org/the-european-wilderness-society/contact/
Flocon vert
Flocon_vert.jpg
https://www.flocon-vert.org
Label promotes mountain destinations with a cutting-edge sustainable development policy, with special focus on environmental and social issues. Social responsibility
Sustainable mobility
Sustainable tourism
Environment
Mountain areas
Natural heritage
Quality of life
Waste management
France Destination / 3 years
http://www.flocon-vert.org/stations-laureates/
Association Mountain Riders Maison des Associations
67 rue Saint François de Sales
73000 Chambéry
France
admin@mountain-riders.org
Grand site de France
Grand_site_de_France.png
https://www.grandsitedefrance.com
Label recognises 'Grand Site' destinations (protected sites of natural monuments and sites of artistic, historic, legendary or picturesque character) managed in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, reconciling preservation of the landscape, quality reception of the visitors and benefits for the residents. Protected areas
Quality of life
Sustainable mobility
Sustainable tourism
Waste management
Natural heritage
Accessibility
Biodiversity
Cultural heritage
Environment
France Site
Destination
/ 6 years
http://www.grandsitedefrance.com/membres
Ministere de l’energie, du developpement durable, et de l’energie DGALN – Bureau des sites et espaces protégés
Tour Séquoi
1 place Carpeaux
92800 Puteaux
France
contact@grandsitedefrance.com
Green Destinations Award
Green_Destinations_Certification.png
http://greendestinations.org/awards-certification/
Label affirms destinations' commitment to promoting sustainable destinations through one or several of the following aspects: destination management; nature, animals and scenery; environment and climate; culture & tradition; social well-being; business and hospitality. Protected areas
Quality of life
Social responsibility
Accessibility
Sustainable mobility
Biodiversity
Sustainable tourism
Cultural heritage
Waste management
Environment
Light pollution
Natural heritage
GLOBAL LEVEL Destination
Park
GSTC-Recognized Standard 2 years
http://collection.greendestinations.org/
Green Destinations Rapenburg 8
2311 EV Leiden
Netherlands
contact@greendestinations.org
I Borghi Più Belli d’Italia
I_Borghi_Più_Belli_d_Italia.jpg
https://borghipiubelliditalia.it
Label promotes small towns with rich cultural heritage and complementary tourism offer Cultural heritage
Environment
Quality of life
Italy Destination / No limitation (with regular monitoring)
https://borghipiubelliditalia.it/borghi/
L'Associazione de I Borghi Più Belli D'Italia 61 Ippolito Nievo street
00153 Roma
Italy
info@borghitalia.it
IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas
IUCN_Green_List_of_Protected_and_Conserved_Areas.jpg
https://www.iucn.org/theme/protected-areas/our-work/iucn-green-list-protected-and-conserved-areas
Certification aims to designate protected and conserved areas which are managed effectively, in line with sustainable principles through the provision of associated social, economic, cultural, and spiritual values. Biodiversity
Environment
Protected areas
GLOBAL LEVEL Site
Park
/ 5 years
https://www.iucn.org/theme/protected-areas/our-work/iucn-green-list-protected-and-conserved-areas/iucn-green-list-areas
International Union for Conservation of Nature Global Protected Areas Programme
Rue Mauverney 28
1196 Gland
Switzerland
wcpa@iucn.org
Mountain IDEAL
Mountain_IDEAL.png
https://www.walkingmountains.org/sustainability-hub/mountain-ideal-sustainable-destination/
Label recognises mountain destinations in elevating their sustainability performance, stakeholder engagement and collaboration. Protected areas
Quality of life
Accessibility
Social responsibility
Biodiversity
Sustainable mobility
Cultural heritage
Sustainable tourism
Environment
Waste management
Light pollution
Mountain areas
Natural heritage
GLOBAL LEVEL Destination GSTC-Recognized Standard 2 or 3 years
http:///
Walking Mountains Science Center 318 Walking Mountains Lane
Avon, CO 81620
USA
mountainideal@walkingmountains.org
Plus beaux villages de France
Plus_beaux_villages_de_France.png
https://www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org
Label promotes rural communities with rich cultural heritage and complementary tourism offer. Cultural heritage France Destination / No limitation (with regular monitoring)
http://www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org/fr/nos-villages/
Association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France Rue de la Barrière
19500 Collonges-la-Rouge
France
cecile.varillon@lesplusbeauxvillagesdefrance.org
Quality Coast Award
Quality_Coast_Award.jpg
http://greendestinations.org/awards-certification
Labes is designed for more urban destinations focusing on waterfront sustainability, seaside and beach quality. Waste management
Protected areas
Accessibility
Biodiversity
Coast protection
Cultural heritage
Environment
Light pollution
Marine ecosystems
Natural heritage
Sustainable tourism
Quality of life
Social responsibility
Sustainable mobility
GLOBAL LEVEL Beach
Destination
In line with GSTC criteria by applying Green Destinations Standards 2 years
http://collection.greendestinations.org/
Green Destinations Rapenburg 8
2311 EV Leiden
Netherlands
contact@greendestinations.org
Slovenia Green
Slovenia_Green.png
https://www.slovenia.info/sl/poslovne-strani/zelena-shema-slovenskega-turizma
Label recognises efforts directed towards the sustainable development in tourism destinations and encourages continuous improvement. Sustainable tourism
Waste management
Natural heritage
Protected areas
Quality of life
Social responsibility
Sustainable mobility
Biodiversity
Cultural heritage
Environment
Light pollution
Accessibility
Slovenia Park
Destination
In line with GSTC criteria by applying Green Destinations Standards 3 years
http://www.slovenia.info/sl/poslovne-strani/zelena-shema-slovenskega-turizma
Slovenian Tourist Board Dimičeva 13
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia
shema@slovenia-green.si
Station verte
Station_verte.jpg
https://www.stationverte.com
Label recognizes destinations with vision of tourism which is authentic and respectful of local characteristics, develops sustainable initiatives in favour of a respected and preserved nature and offers a full range of activities related to a natural, cultural or historical heritage. Natural heritage
Quality of life
Sustainable tourism
Environment
France Destination / 2 years
https://www.stationverte.com/fr/toutes-les-stations-vertes_242.html
Fédération Française des Stations Vertes de Vacances et des Villages de Neige BP 71698
21016 DIJON CEDEX
France
Contact form: www.stationverte.com/fr/contact-federation_48.html
TourCert
TourCert.png
https://www.tourcert.org
Label awards sustainability and corporate responsibility in tourism offer of the destination, considering also interests of all the institutions involved. Accessibility
Biodiversity
Protected areas
Environment
Quality of life
Natural heritage
Social responsibility
Sustainable mobility
Sustainable tourism
Waste management
Cultural heritage
GLOBAL LEVEL Destination
Park
Beach
/ 3 years
https://www.tourcert.org/en/community
TourCert gGmbH Blumenstraße 19
70182 Stuttgart
Germany
info@tourcert.org
UNESCO World Heritage List
UNESCO_World_Heritage_List.png
https://whc.unesco.org
List of the world natural, cultural and mixed heritage sites of outstanding universal value according to criteria defined by UNESCO. Biodiversity
Coast protection
Cultural heritage
Natural heritage
Protected areas
GLOBAL LEVEL Site / Permanent (with regular monitoring)
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/
UNESCO - The World Heritage Committee 7 Place de Fontenoy
75352 Paris CEDEX 07
France
wh-info@unesco.org
UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves
UNESCO_World_Network_of_Biosphere_Reserves.png
https://en.unesco.org/mab
Network designates internationally designated protected areas under UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme, known as biosphere reserves, that are meant to demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature and encourage sustainable development. Environment
Marine ecosystems
Biodiversity
Protected areas
Cultural heritage
GLOBAL LEVEL Park
Site
/ Permanent (with monitoring every 10 years)
https://en.unesco.org/biosphere/wnbr
UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme
7 Place de Fontenoy
75352 Paris CEDEX 07
France
mab@unesco.org
Vignobles et découvertes
Vignobles_et_découvertes.png
http://www.atout-france.fr/services/le-label-vignobles-decouvertes
Label recognises wine-producing destinations offering a range of complementary tourist products (accommodation, catering, cellar visit and tasting, museum, event, etc.) with emphasis on quality, sharing oenology knowledge and promoting local heritage. Cultural heritage
Gastronomy offer
Natural heritage
France Destination / 3 years
http://www.atout-france.fr/content/decouvrez-les-destinations-labellisees-vignobles-decouvertes
ATOUT FRANCE 200/216 rue Raymond Losserand
CS 60043
75680 Paris Cedex 14
France
martin.lhullier@atout.france.fr
Villes et Villages Fleuris
Villes_et_Villages_Fleuris.jpg
http://www.villes-et-villages-fleuris.com
Label promotes maintaining high quality of public spaces and developing tourism activities in line with the in place with the flourishing, the landscape and everyday life of residences. Biodiversity
Cultural heritage
Environment
Quality of life
Waste management
France Destination / 3 years
http://www.villes-et-villages-fleuris.com/carte-des-communes-labellisees
Conseil National des Villes et Villages Fleuris Télédoc 311
6 rue Louise Weiss
75703 PARIS Cedex 13
France
message@cnvvf.fr
Villes ou Pays d’Art et d’Histoire
Villes_ou_Pays_d’Artet_d’Histoire.png
http://www.vpah.culture.fr
Label awards destinations engaged in promotion and animation of architecture and heritage through guided tours, exhibitions, educational services and other forms of cultural tourism. Cultural heritage France Destination / 10 years
http://www.vpah.culture.fr/france/france2.htm
Le Conseil national des Villes et Pays d'art et d'histoire Direction générale des patrimoines
Bureau de la promotion de l’architecture et des réseaux
182 rue Saint-Honoré
75001 Paris
France
vpah.dapa@culture.gouv.fr
World Surfing Reserves
World_Surfing_Reserves.png
https://www.savethewaves.org
Label serves as a global model for preserving wave breaks and their surrounding areas by recognizing and protecting the key environmental, cultural, economic and community attributes of surfing areas. Biodiversity
Coast protection
Environment
Marine ecosystems
Natural heritage
Nautical offer
GLOBAL LEVEL Beach / /
https://www.savethewaves.org/programs/world-surfing-reserves/reserves/
Save The Waves Coalition P.O. Box 183
Davenport
CA 95017
USA
info@savethewaves.org