Businesses — Benefits of STEP
“STEP is helping Escape Adventures become one of the most responsible businesses in the adventure travel sector. It is a great tool for us to guarantee our ongoing commitment to sustainability. I really wanted to raise the bar in terms of our sustainability initiatives, and STEP provided the framework for us to achieve that goal. Given its comprehensive nature, it could very well become the 'Gold Standard' in sustainable tourism certification.”
—Jared Fisher,
Co-owner, Escape Adventures
Improved Profitability
STEP’s systematic approach lowers costs through enhanced resource productivity, increased energy efficiency, and reductions in waste while improving customer loyalty, employee retention, and engagement.
STI provides Eco-certified businesses with complimentary PR opportunities and offers many joint marketing opportunities.
STEP assists tourism businesses in adding value to local communities' economies, helping them to safeguard the livelihood of local and indigenous people.
Expanded Market Reach
Eco-certified businesses are promoted through all of STI's marketing and media outlets. STI is very effective at gaining public exposure and media traction for industry-leading partners. The organization proudly promotes its Eco-certified client’s best practices as an independent third party, helping them tell their story and garner positive attention.
STI’s marketing and media reach is significant, with more than 25,000 press contacts, an average of 500,000 monthly web visits and 35,000 monthly visitors, and an email list of more than 30,000 conscientious consumers and travel professionals.
Eco-certified businesses are also promoted through STI's partners, including but not limited to AAA, Expedia and Travelocity:
AAA ECO - The AAA Eco Program identifies AAA Approved lodging that are Eco-certified by designated, well-established sustainable tourism programs. Sustainable Travel International is one of the major suppliers of eco-friendly lodging options for the AAA Eco Program.
Expedia - Green hotels on Expedia.com balance environmental protection and social responsibility without sacrificing guest comfort. Sustainable Travel International is Expedia’s sustainability partner and is the major supplier of content for their Green Hotel program.
Travelocity - Travelocity also flags eco-friendly hotels, making going green accessible and affordable with more than 1,500 properties in their Green Hotel Directory. Sustainable Travel International is one of the major suppliers of eco-friendly lodging options in the Green Hotel Directory.
Broader Market Appeal
STEP Eco-certification provides immediate recognition and is a clear differentiator in the marketplace. Licensed tourism businesses demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, enhancing their brand image and reputation, and making them more attractive to responsible travelers who make up 44% of the U.S. travel market alone:
44% of U.S. travelers consider environmental impact to be important to them when planning travel. The high propensity of green supporters to vote with their wallet leaves opportunities for premiums for green travel. Nearly one third of U.S. travelers would pay such premiums, but these savvy consumers are looking for practices that go above and beyond cursory measures (Source: PhoCusWright's Going Green: The Business Impact of Environmental Awareness on Travel, 2009)
Enhanced Quality
STEP is focused on impact management, helping tourism businesses to ensure the preservation of destinations and cultures for future generations by contributing to environmental conservation and the well being of local people.
STEP provides access to standards recognized as best innovative practices within the travel industry, helping businesses to meet higher standards through continuous improvement.
