About
Property Selection:
Eco Hotels and Lodge Collection (EHLC) features Hotels, Lodges, Inns and Resorts (Properties) that are truly committed to provide excellent hospitality while practicing Sustainable Tourism. EHLC searches around the globe for Properties that are sustainable and economically viable, while acting responsibly in terms of their local communities well being and environmental protection. EHLC is committed to exclude from its website, Properties that follow the practice of "green wash". In other words, Properties that claim to be in the business of Sustainable Tourism but in reality are not.
There are over 2500 Properties (including camp grounds) around the world claiming to be either "eco" or "green". EHLC estimates that no more than 5% of these Properties fully deliver on all the required criteria, while another 15% are in the process of attaining truly Sustainable Tourism status. This top 20% segment is EHLC’s select target group from which we invite Properties into membership.
You will find that some City Center or Urban Properties are members of EHLC. These Properties have demonstrated that they have made every effort within the limitations of their locale to genuinely follow environmental and social best practices.
Quality and Service Expectations:
In addition to practicing Sustainable Tourism, EHLC expects its members to provide excellent lodging facilities within its locale, quality food and beverage, customer oriented personnel and unforgettable activities. This will make your vacation experience a memorable one. EHLC, also evaluates members in terms of their business ethics, factual marketing and on going customer service delivery. EHLC is a firm believer of your customer satisfaction. Our contract contains a clause requiring members to attain an 85% or better customer satisfaction rating. Furthermore, EHLC conducts a post visit, email customer satisfaction survey.
Accreditation:
The issue of accreditation and Green awards in the Sustainable Tourism industry is complex. There are a number of accreditation programs as well as awards ranging from the rigorous (on-site visits combined with stringent classification criteria) to the superficial which only requires a mailed self administered questionnaire with no follow up audit. Due to the existing diverse methodologies, we only use a few proven accreditation and recognition programs as part of our selection criteria. A good example of a credible accreditation program is Costa Rica’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST). This accreditation program aimed at Costa Rican properties uses a four section questionnaire containing over 50 separate items. Presently, only 5% of the participating properties have obtained the coveted 5 leaves of” Sustainable Tourism Achievement” rating, while another 9% are rated at 4 leaves.
Another aspect of accreditation is its administration cost. Due to cost reasons, some Properties choose not to participate because of affordability issues. EHLC is committed to help Properties demonstrating the right intention of delivering excellent hospitality and credible Sustainable Tourism. For this reason, EHLC features some properties that either lack accreditation or a proven track record but have shown their commitment to Sustainable Tourism. EHLC believes we must help them achieve their goals by supporting their efforts. This is why our personal visits are so important. EHLC is constantly searching for “hidden jewels” with or without formal accreditation that deliver a wonderful “green” experience. We welcome recommendations from customers and members alike.
EHLC Evaluation:
In the process of selecting EHLC members, we evaluate potential members in terms of the eleven key questions detailed below. Please note that some of these questions have additional evaluative criteria. In some instances not all eleven questions apply. A few of our member Properties are located in remote places without any nearby local communities.
- How does the prospective member implement/support its environmental program aimed at protecting the surrounding area?
- Does the prospective member have an energy program based on renewable energy and efficient power consumption measures?
- How does the prospective member handle/recycle organic and inorganic waste?
- How does the prospective member handle/recycle grey and black (sewer) waters?
- Does the prospective member practice water conservation in those geographical areas where this is an issue?
- Does the prospective member minimize the use of chemical pesticides throughout the property?
- Does the prospective member use biodegradable cleaning products?
- Does the prospective member hire local employees, train and pay them a fair wage?
- Does the prospective member purchase supplies, food and equipment locally, where possible?
- Does the prospective member contribute time and or money to local conservation and social causes?
- Does the prospective member provide information focused on conservation and interpretation in order to educate guests in the local surrounding areas.