The Green Key environmental certification program will undergo changes from October 1st, introducing new criteria and an evaluation process involving an external certifying entity.
These changes, impacting awards from 2027, aim to make the program more rigorous and standardized, aligning with European and international directives. National coordinator Maria Archer stated that the program will now include external audits, potentially making certification more demanding and somewhat costlier.
Established in 2006, Green Key recognizes environmental best practices in areas such as resource efficiency, local community engagement, and environmental education. Sustainability is increasingly a competitive factor in tourism, with the program encouraging continuous improvement and positive impacts on communities and visitors.
