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
If you purchase a 12-month license for our online Sustainability Management Framework and Self-assessment Tool, you will automatically be enrolled in our Partner Program and receive a host of benefits. STEP Eco-certified businesses, however, are eligible for a range of exclusive benefits above and beyond those offered through the Partner Program.
Expanded Market Reach
Eco-certified businesses are promoted through all of STI's marketing and media outlets. We are very effective at gaining public exposure and media traction for our industry-leading partners. We proudly promote their best practices, 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 52,000 conscientious consumers and travel professionals.
Eco-certified businesses who are affiliated with AAA, Expedia and Travelocity are also promoted through these partner organizations:
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.
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. As time passes and overall costs are reduced, STEP identifies areas to reinvest your returns and further improve your profitability and sustainability.
STI lists all Eco-certified businesses on our Green.travel website and works closely with our partners to promote Eco-certified companies through the media and joint marketing opportunities.
Broader Market Appeal
STEP provides immediate recognition and is a clear differentiator in the marketplace. Eco-certified 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)
Furthermore, over one-third of conscientious consumers would like to see other trusted sources endorse the claims made by companies, and further validation shows that 85% of those looking for verification would like the endorser to be a non-profit organization (Natural Marketing Institute, 2008).
Enhanced Quality
STEP’s triple bottom line methodology is designed to help you protect and sustain the destinations you serve for future generations by contributing to local economies, conservation, and cultural-heritage preservation, which in turn preserves authenticity.
STEP focuses on impact management and provides indicators for sustainability reporting, helping you to design and implement Sustainability Management Systems, achieve higher levels of transparency and accountability, and enhance corporate responsibility.
STEP recognizes innovative best practices, rewarding you for thinking outside the box in terms of community outreach, emerging technologies, and leadership.
For More Information
Contact us, call +503-488-5500, or Apply for STEP. Or choose to learn more about Fees, How to Apply, and have your FAQs answered.
