Businesses — Frequently Asked Questions

Pursuant to a license agreement with STI, all applicants who fulfill the essential criteria for sustainability through the Sustainable Tourism Eco-Certification Program™ (STEP) process are required to use and display the appropriate STEP logo, including expiration date, in their printed and on-line marketing materials. Logos displayed on-line must be hyper-linked to the STEP Ratings web description which provides information to consumers on what the logos mean.

"Self-Assessment Completed" Eco-assessed and "Professionally Audited" Eco-certified levels are valid for two years from the date of issuance. Thereafter, new applications with the appropriate fees must be submitted 30 days before the expiration of the two-year period.

STEP applicants interested in renewing their Eco-assessed or Eco-certified status will be required to complete the 4-STEP process again. In addition, applicants must introduce any significant changes to the scale and / or nature of their operations that may affect compliance with STEP criteria.

STI wishes to credit "Professionally Audited" businesses for their successes in their first year of being Eco-certified. "Professionally Audited" businesses that are interested in upgrading their Eco-certification rating are required to provide a one-year report introducing any significant changes to the scale and / or nature of their operations that may improve or affect their rating. This report will be reviewed and evaluated by the Evaluation Committee and may require a new on-site audit.

As part of this process, applicants agree to inform their clients of any improvements to their products and / or services that have been inspired by their involvement in STEP.

STEP is initially based on a voluntary self-assessment process as described under STEP: A 4-Step Process. Throughout the two-year period of validity, both internal and external monitoring, are undertaken by STI to help ensure continued compliance with STEP criteria.

The utilization of professional references and direct feedback from clients, resource area managers, local communities, and service providers comprise the monitoring component. STI will review, evaluate and score this feedback to ensure compliance with STEP.

To help facilitate this process, aplicants are required to incorporate the STEP client / employee feedback questionnaire into their existing evaluation systems and use this questionnaire to self-monitor their sustainable travel practices and policies.

If a STEP Eco-assessed or Eco-certified business appears to be in non-compliance with STEP principles, at STI's sole discretion, through the monitoring, assessment, and audit processes, or if it fails to assist STI in such processes, a written warning will be issued. The business shall then be required to supply proof of compliance with the STEP criteria in question or assist STI in the monitoring, assessment and audit process, as applicable, within seven (7) days of receiving STI's written warning.

If the business fails to do so, at STI's sole discretion, their Eco-assessed or Eco-certified status will be immediately withdrawn. Upon the withdrawal of their status, the business found to be in non-compliance must cease to market their products and / or services as Eco-assessed or Eco-certified, remove any STEP logos from all marketing materials including those promoted by third parties, notify all relevant government agencies and other key stakeholders, and comply with all post-removal obligations.

If a business' application for Eco-Certification is denied or if its Eco-assessed or Eco-certified status is withdrawn, then they may appeal this decision to STI within seven (7) days. STI's Evaluation Committee will then evaluate the appeal.

If STI's Evaluation Committee finds that the business in question is still in non-compliance with STEP criteria, then they do not have the right to appeal the final decision. However, if they submit a new application(s) within 60 days of withdrawal or denial of their Eco-assessed or Eco-certified status, only one-half of the applicable Application fees will be due. If the new application is submitted after 60 days, the full fee is due.

STEP is designed to assist travel and tourism-related businesses in continuously improving their operating standards. The criteria contained in STEP are reviewed on an on-going basis to reflect improved industry performance and standards. New and evolving criteria will be put into place as standards are improved and technological advances are made in the travel industry. All suggestions and comments for improving STEP are taken into consideration.