On Thursday (today), the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) along with The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) signed an agreement to introduce eco-certification labels in the hospitality industry.
These eco-certification labels, aimed for hotels and other tourism-related establishments, will be distributed through the Green Key programme. So far, the programme has already certified 4,440 hotels in 60 different locations across the globe, including The Embassy Valletta Hotel.
The Green Key certificate stands as a prominent benchmark for exceptional performance in environmental responsibility and sustainable operations within the tourism industry. Green Key explains that the “prestigious certificate” given to hotels and establishments represents a commitment by businesses that their premises adhere to the strict criteria set by the FEE.
Each Green Key applicant (in the name of a hotel or establishment) must demonstrate compliance with the programme criteria, which is subsequently third-party verified. The programme is comprised of five crucial steps:
- Application: The hotel or establishment has to complete the application form and provide documentation as proof that it is compliant with the criteria.
- Audit: The programme conducts an on-site audit to verify documents and issue a visual inspection. Additionally, throughout the years, off-site audits are also done.
- Decision making: The decision to award or decline certification is always done through a third-party entity, an independent auditor or by a jury.
- Award: Certified recipients receive a Green Key Plaque and certificate if deemed fit.
- Renewal: The certification is only valid for one year and has to be renewed annually thereafter.
Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo remarked that given Malta’s optimal results achieved in recent years, “now is the right moment to upscale the industry’s quality and its sustainable practices.”
“We need to keep taking tangible decisions that gear us towards sustainable tourism all year long,” the Minister added.
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