More and more travelers are looking for accommodations that care for the planet. To meet this demand, Booking.com has created the Sustainable Travel Program, a badge that helps guests identify stays that are more environmentally and community-friendly.
From Avantio, you can configure these features directly in the VRMS so they appear in your Booking.com listing.
What is the Booking.com Sustainable Program?
This is an initiative that allows accommodations to highlight their sustainable practices. These features appear in the listing under the "Sustainability" filter, just below the health and safety filter, giving them great visibility to travelers.
Sustainability Categories
Booking.com groups sustainable practices into 5 main categories:
Waste reduction
Energy and gas reduction
Responsible water use
Support for the local community
Nature protection
Examples of features you can configure
Some of the options you can activate from the VRMS are:
Additional AVANTIO Feature — Booking.com Description
No plastic toiletries
The property has eliminated or never offered single-use plastic toiletries.No plastic stirrers
The property has eliminated or never offered plastic stirrers.No plastic straws
The property has eliminated or never offered plastic straws.No plastic cups
The property has eliminated or never offered plastic cups.No plastic water bottles
The property has eliminated or never offered plastic water bottles.No plastic soda bottles
The property has eliminated or never offered plastic soda bottles.No plastic cutlery or plates
The property has eliminated or never offered plastic cutlery or tableware.Electricity card for the room
Room electricity is activated by card.Option to decline room cleaning service
Guests can opt out of daily room cleaning.Water dispensers
The property has refillable water stations.Bicycle parking
The property offers bicycle parking.Wild animals are not mistreated
Wild (non-domesticated) animals are not mistreated on the property.Recycling bins
Recycling bins are provided for guests, and waste is recycled.80% regional food
At least 80% of the food comes from your region.80% LED bulbs
At least 80% of the lighting uses energy-efficient LED bulbs.Low water consumption toilets
Only low water consumption toilets are used.Low water consumption showers
Only low water consumption showers are used.Double-glazed windows
All windows are double-glazed.Food waste prevention policies
The property implements a food waste management policy that includes education, prevention, reduction, recycling, and disposal.Investment in sustainability or community projects
A percentage of revenue is invested in sustainability or community projects.Certified carbon credits
At least 10% of annual carbon emissions are offset by purchasing certified carbon credits.Tours and activities organized by local companies and guides
Tours and activities organized by local guides and companies are offered.Vegetarian options
The accommodation offers vegetarian options.Vegan options
The accommodation offers vegan options.Green spaces
The property has green spaces like gardens or rooftop gardens.80% organic food
At least 80% of the food offered is organic.Electricity generated from renewable energy
100% renewable electricity is used throughout the property.Local artists' offerings
The property provides a space for local artists to showcase their talent.Local culture offerings
The property provides guests with information about local ecosystems, cultural heritage, and visitor behavior guidelines.
Step-by-step to configure them in Avantio
Access the VRMS and open the accommodation file.
Go to the Additional Features section.
Type and select the sustainable features you want to apply.
Save the changes.
The information will automatically appear in your Booking.com listing.
👉 If you click on "More info" within the listing on Booking.com, guests can read the detailed description of each feature.
Attention to details
Booking.com verifies sustainable features. An external auditing company may request evidence such as photos, signed statements, or documents to support the claims.
Ensure all added information is truthful and verifiable.
Best Practices
Start by setting up the easiest features to apply (LED, recycling, menu options).
Update your listing with each new sustainable action you implement.
Communicate the marked practices to your internal team to ensure compliance.
Quick Checklist
☑ Access the VRMS and open the property listing
☑ Go to "Additional features"
☑ Select implemented sustainable practices
☑ Save and sync with Booking.com
☑ Prepare documentation in case of an audit
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I mark features that I don't actually comply with?
Booking.com may request proof through an audit. If you can't justify them, they will be removed and it may affect your reputation on the portal.
How long does it take for the added features to appear on my listing?
Usually immediately after synchronization, although some changes may take up to 24 hours.
Is it mandatory to join the program?
It is not mandatory, but it improves your property's visibility and attracts travelers interested in responsible tourism.
How do the features appear on Booking.com?
In the "Sustainability" section of your listing, under the featured health and safety filters.
Can I add the features in multiple languages?
Yes. We recommend including the information in the most relevant languages for your guests, as Booking.com does not automatically translate this section.