SUSTAINABILITY IN TOURISM: ECOLABEL AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS AT HOTELS IN TURKEY

  • Nazmiye Erdogan

Abstract

Ecolabel and certification programs are widespread tools for policy and
marketing in tourism sectors. The aim of this paper is to provide a background and
offer insights of the use of ecolabels and certifications within the tourism sector.
Secondly, it explores the status of national and international tourism ecolabels in
Turkey. Then a brief discussion is presented about definitions about sustainability in
tourism. The status of the ecolabels in Turkey was discussed by using the written
materials that include published research, governmental and legal documents. The
result shows that there is a need for ecolabel and certification programs in tourism
accommodations in Turkey and all over the world too. Tourism, especially hotel
managers should realize that they cannot sustain their business without necessary
acknowledgement to environmental issues. Sustainability is the responsibility of all
those involved in tourism.
Key Words: Sustainable tourism, ecolabel, certification, hotels, Turkey.

Published
2018-02-19