Yes, sustainable or “green” hotels really do exist — and they’re becoming increasingly popular. More and more travellers want to explore the world without leaving a heavy ecological footprint behind. The good news? You can absolutely enjoy a relaxing hotel holiday while caring for the planet. Next time you book, use the following points as a guide to see how your chosen hotel treats people, animals, and the environment. These are also the principles TUI BLUE lives by — and we encourage you to ask questions or suggest improvements when you travel. After all, sustainability begins with each of us.
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Table of contents
A sustainable hotel uses renewable energy
Whether it’s a solar panel system or biogas plant for electricity, hot water or heating, there are many ways hotels can avoid using nuclear or coal power. Even if a hotel doesn’t generate its own energy, it can still choose green electricity from a local supplier to operate more sustainably.
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A sustainable hotel doesn’t waste water
In many sun-soaked holiday regions, especially around the Mediterranean, water is a precious resource. A sustainable hotel only changes towels and bed linen on request — after all, at home you don’t use a fresh towel every day either! In many luxury hotels daily towel changes are still common practice, but sustainable management looks quite different. Simply let staff know if you’d prefer to reuse your towels; that simple choice greatly reduces water consumption. Green hotels may also use greywater for toilet flushing or invest in desalination systems.
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A sustainable hotel avoids waste
The shocking images of polluted oceans and sea creatures filled with plastic should make us all rethink our habits. Sustainable hotels take this seriously by ditching plastic straws and offering biodegradable alternatives only on request. They avoid single-use tableware and recycle diligently. Instead of miniature plastic bottles for shampoo and shower gel, eco-friendly hotels rely on large, refillable dispensers in the bathrooms.
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A sustainable hotel sources local and seasonal produce
Imported food often travels long distances, losing freshness and adding carbon emissions along the way. Sustainable hotels prefer seasonal fruit and vegetables from nearby farms and often feature local specialities rather than long-haul imports. Some TUI BLUE hotels even have their own bakeries or herb and vegetable gardens — like TUI BLUE Palm Garden on the Turkish Riviera — for the freshest, most eco-friendly flavours possible.
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A sustainable hotel treats its employees fairly
Happy guests need happy teams. When staff are treated well, that warmth naturally shines through. A truly sustainable hotel provides fair working conditions, equal opportunities, and family-friendly support. In some regions, tourism is the lifeblood of entire communities, so sustainability extends beyond the resort itself.
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A sustainable hotel supports local communities
True sustainability reaches beyond the hotel walls. Many green hotels invest in their local communities through initiatives such as training young talent in tourism, environmental education programmes in schools, or beach clean-ups with guests and locals — like at the TUI BLUE Palm Beach Palace on Djerba. Others raise awareness about social issues, or donate to the TUI Care Foundation, which supports meaningful local projects for sustainable travel.
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A sustainable hotel embraces digital solutions
Printed menus, timetables and information sheets use up vast amounts of paper and water. By switching to digital tools, hotels can save resources — especially when powered by solar energy. Smart options include QR codes, digital screens, in-room TV info channels and handy hotel apps like the BLUE App from TUI BLUE.
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A sustainable hotel cares for animal welfare
Life’s tough for stray animals in many destinations. Some hotels help local shelters, provide medical care, or even create safe spaces for animals like the TUI BLUE Palm Garden, where stray cats and rabbits are vaccinated, neutered and lovingly looked after. At The Residence at TUI BLUE Sensatori Akra Fethiye, proceeds from selected products go directly to support the local animal shelter.
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Sustainability certifications
Any hotel can claim to be “green”, but certified ones back it up with action. Eco labels and certifications such as Travelife, Green & Fair Hotels, Green Key, Green Star and the Blue Flag set clear standards. The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) defines international criteria for truly sustainable travel — and TUI’s “Green & Fair” certification is based on these. By September 2023, two-thirds of all TUI BLUE hotels had already achieved this label.
The ultimate goal for every hotel? Becoming a “Zero Carbon Hotel” — completely free of climate-damaging emissions.
The TUI Green & Fair sustainability logo.[/caption>
How can I travel more sustainably?
Now that you know how to spot a sustainable hotel, you can make more conscious choices when booking. Find out more about how TUI BLUE puts sustainability into practice and discover the most eco-friendly hotels here.
Here are a few extra tips for greener travel:
- Most reputable companies today have a sustainability agenda — TUI does too. Check the “Sustainability” section on the provider’s or hotel’s website and use that information to guide your booking.
- Your own choices make a difference too — for example, by eating more sustainably during your holiday.
- Depending on your destination, a train journey might be more relaxing (and eco-friendlier) than driving — think Germany to Austria by rail. If you prefer to take the car, consider using a car train instead.
- When flying, stay longer instead of taking several short trips — fewer flights mean less CO₂.
- Consider offsetting your carbon emissions through verified organisations.