With a countless array of options for accommodation, the modern consumer can struggle to make a choice.
More companies are seeing a benefit in aligning themselves with ecological or ‘green’ programmes as consumers are becoming more aware of their carbon footprint on the planet and their lives.
Green Globe is a global certification for sustainable tourism. Members (e.g hotels, tour operators) have strict criteria to uphold surrounding sustainable management, social/economic factors, cultural heritage and environmental factors. There is auditing done to ensure members abide by the regulations – I would be interested to know how frequently they audit the members. Members also enjoy promotion of their businesses to the global market of leisure and corporate travellers as well as meeting planners all looking for sustainable travel options.
Members active on the French Riviera include:
– Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez
– Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc
– Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo
– InterContinental Carlton Cannes
– Le Grand Hotel Cannes
– Hotel Le Mas de Candille, Mougins
– Hotel Monte-Carlo Beach, Roquebrune Cap Martin
All of these members on the French Riviera are in the higher end of price brackets, so it leads me to think that Green Globe affiliation is marketed to the pricier hotels here. I’m hoping that it means smaller accommodation providers are also making greener measures part of their business, without any affiliation to a programme of sorts.
Find out more about Green Globe at www.greenglobe.com
Green Globe – image reproduced and copyright AC
On a more localised level, La Clef Verte – The Green Key – helps travellers choose environmentally-conscious accommodation throughout France including campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, holiday accommodation, hostels and hotels.
It is a voluntary label, awarded annually by an independent jury at an international level and as per Green Globe, there are criteria around water, waste and energy management and responsible purchasing of goods related to the business.
image copyright & reproduced courtesy of lhotellerie-restauration.fr
A search for the French Riviera region (searching for ‘hotel, all areas’) listed 8 results including Hotel Colombo in Monte Carlo, Hotel Relais Impérial near Grasse and the Gray Albion in Cannes. The search was very quick, less than 5 seconds for results.
The website is simple and user-friendly offering accommodation information and location maps.
To learn more about La Clef Verte properties in France, visit www.laclefverte.org (web page options in French or English)
Access Riviera 