What We Do & How We're Different
“This process has been very educational and it has enabled me to really have a close look at how we are going to achieve our company goals and the importance of continually reviewing the path we take to get there. I feel that to go through this process right at the start of our operations has actually been positive as we don't have bad systems to correct- we can begin with these sustainable systems and policies in place!”
—Kate Ward, Managing Director, The Responsible Safari Company
Affordable and Accessible
As a non-profit organization, our Rates are much lower than other leading brands that offer sustainable tourism assessment and certification. By limiting the barriers to entry and providing exceptional value, STI hopes to make STEP as accessible and affordable as possible. In addition, volume discounts are available regionally and to larger businesses that have multiple facilities.
Branding and Marketing Support
STEP is bolstered by the globally recognizable Sustainable Travel International brand and market presence. Leading brands in the travel trade find value in affiliation with STI due to our strong market presence and branding, as well as our “one stop” sustainability solutions, such as our globally recognized Climate & Carbon Management Services, Travelers Giving Back program, and education and training workshops and webinars. A sample of partners includes Continental Airlines, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Tauck World Discovery, NTA, and many others. References are available upon request.
As far as outreach goes, STI promotes STEP applicants who become Eco-assessed or Eco-certified on our website, in our e-Newsletter and to the media. Potential reach to consumers estimated in the millions, especially for those who become Eco-certified and engage in newsworthy best practices.
Regionally Relevant, Globally Focused
STEP is the world's first and only global sustainable tourism eco-certification program offered by a non-profit organization. In addition, STEP is aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria and is posited for impending Global Accreditation. As a Self-assessment Tool, should you decide to become certified at some point you will already have all of the necessary systems in place.
Due to its all-inclusive nature, STEP was recognized as the most comprehensive of any sustainable tourism certification initiative in an independent research analysis commissioned by Expedia, Inc.and the United Nations Foundation, helping to establish STEP as the “Gold Standard” in sustainable tourism certification.
Although STEP is globally relevant, it is designed to address unique regional social, cultural, environmental and economic attributes.
Flexible and Scalable
STEP is unique to each travel and tourism sector in that it is based on sector-specific criteria. In addition, the program is user-friendly, educational in nature, practical as a measurement and management tool, and applicable to businesses of all sizes. And, it is designed for newcomers to sustainability, those wanting to improve their existing approach, and businesses that have long-standing sustainability programs.
