Green Key

01/09/2026

At Green Key, we believe sustainability in tourism is about more than reducing environmental impacts. It is also about helping create places and experiences that are welcoming and inclusive.

That’s why we’re encouraging Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) across Europe to take part in the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT)’s new Accessible Tourism Survey.

The survey aims to map what destinations are already doing to improve accessibility and identify opportunities to make tourism across Europe more inclusive.

Accommodation providers and other tourism businesses are an important part of the visitor experience and progress towards more accessible tourism requires action and collaboration across the whole destination.

If you work for a European DMO at national, regional, city or municipal level, we hope you’ll add your voice.

⏱️ It takes 10 minutes or less to complete.

The results will contribute to an ENAT Summary Report this autumn, examining current practices and providing recommendations for developing accessible tourism in the context of the new EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy.

📅 Survey deadline: Sunday 20 September, 12 midnight CEST

Take the survey: www.accessibletourism.org

26/08/2026

The Green Key programme has expanded and reached new regions of Armenia. Tsaghkadzor Marriott Hotel is now the first Green Key-certified establishment in the country outside Yerevan.
What sets this hotel apart:
🌲 Hiking trails behind the property, giving guests direct access to the surrounding forests
♻️ Waste sorting and recycling systems, among the first introduced in the region
🏔️ A commitment to protecting the mountain landscape that makes Tsaghkadzor one of Armenia's most visited resorts

Certified with ISSD - Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development of Communities the National Operator of Green Key in Armenia.
Sustainable tourism is growing beyond capital cities, one hotel at a time.
Read more about this in here: https://www.greenkey.global/stories-news-1/2026/8/26/green-key-expanding-in-armenia
📍 Tsaghkadzor, Armenia

20/08/2026

The 7 areas of the new Green Key criteria 🔑
1️⃣ Sustainable Management
2️⃣ Guest Awareness and Involvement
3️⃣ Water
4️⃣ Energy and Carbon
5️⃣ Waste
6️⃣ Procurement
7️⃣ Living Environment
A simpler, clearer structure for more concrete sustainability.
👀 Stay tuned, next up we'll break down each area in detail!

Did you miss our webinar about new criteria and processes?
Find the recording here: https://www.greenkey.global/criteria-explained-2026-2031

18/08/2026

📢 Tomorrow's the day! Join Green Key International's online info sessions on the new certification updates.
📅 Session A: 09:00 CEST
📅 Session B: 15:00 CEST
Last chance to register - https://www.greenkey.global/criteria-explained-2026-2031

📢 Important updates to Green Key certification are on the way!

Green Key International is hosting a second round of online information sessions on Wednesday 19 August to support establishments during this certification transition period.

The sessions will cover the most important updates to the certification requirements, offer practical guidance on the application process, and include a live Q&A with the Green Key team.

Choose the session that suits your schedule:
📅 Session A – 19 August, 09:00 CEST
📅 Session B – 19 August, 15:00 CEST

💚🔑Secure your spot today and join us - registration via this link: https://www.greenkey.global/criteria-explained-2026-2031

13/08/2026

📢 Just one week left!

Green Key International is hosting a second round of online information sessions on Wednesday 19 August to support establishments during this certification transition period.

The sessions will cover the most important updates to the certification requirements, offer practical guidance on the application process, and include a live Q&A with the Green Key team.

Choose the session that suits your schedule:
📅 Session A – 19 August, 09:00 CEST
📅 Session B – 19 August, 15:00 CEST

Secure your spot today and join us - https://www.greenkey.global/criteria-explained-2026-2031

12/08/2026

💡 From first ideas to first jobs

On 12 August, we celebrate International Youth Day and the many ways young people are already shaping environmental action across the Foundation for Environmental Education network.

Reflecting this year’s United Nations theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” young people are learning, participating, and leading at every stage across our six programmes.

So, where can you find youth across the FEE network? Pretty much everywhere. 👀

🍏 Through Eco-Schools, young people lead Eco-Committees and turn ideas into action across their schools and communities.

🌱 Through Learning about Ecosystems and Forests - LEAF, young learners step outside the classroom, connect with nature and explore the importance of protecting forests and biodiversity.

🎤 Through Young Reporters for the Environment, young people investigate environmental issues affecting their communities and use journalism, photography and video to share the stories that matter.

🎓 Through Eco-Campus, students drive change across their universities and colleges, deepening their knowledge while building skills and experience for what comes next.

🔑 Across Green Key, young professionals in the hospitality sector put sustainability into practice inside hotels and other establishments around the world.

🌊 Across Blue Flag, young professionals working at beaches, marinas and tourism boats help protect our coasts and promote more sustainable practices.

And that journey doesn't end when education does. Young people take those experiences into the wider world as educators, environmental and conservation professionals, community leaders, hospitality and tourism professionals, and colleagues across FEE’s 110+ member organisations.

Creating opportunities for young people to build experience, enter the environmental workforce, and have a say in the organisations driving change is an important part of that journey.

Next week, we’ll put that into practice at FEE Head Office. 👋 Through the FEE Internship Scheme, led by Eco-Campus, we’re welcoming our newest interns and creating opportunities for young people to gain hands-on professional experience while contributing to FEE’s work.

💼 Discover the FEE Internship Scheme: https://www.ecocampus.global/internship-scheme

Happy International Youth Day! ⭐

11/08/2026

📢 Big news! Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) has appointed Audit Independer Group as Green Key's new independent Certification Body, effective 1 October 2026.

This partnership strengthens the independence, transparency, and integrity of Green Key's certification process, while enabling FEE to focus on supporting our global network and continuing to develop one of the world's leading eco-certification programmes for tourism and hospitality.

It also marks another important step in aligning Green Key with evolving regulatory requirements and our ongoing programme approval process with DANAK under ISO/IEC 17065.

Together, we're building an even stronger, more credible future for sustainable tourism.
🔗 Read more: https://www.greenkey.global/news

05/08/2026

🔑 Did you know? Green Key certification covers 6 types of establishments, each with its own eligibility criteria:

🏨 Hotels & Hostels: more than 20 rooms or 40 beds
🏠 Small Accommodations: up to 20 rooms or 40 beds
🏕️ Campsites & Holiday Parks: chalets, mobile homes, pitches, and more
🏢 Conference Centres: auditoriums, lecture halls, meeting rooms
🍽️ Restaurants & Cafés: minimum 4 tables or 8 seats
🎡 Attractions: museums, visitor centres, theme parks

Whatever the size or format, the same commitment to sustainability applies.

Join Green Key International's online info sessions on the new certification updates.
📅 Session A – 09:00 CEST
📅 Session B – 15:00 CEST
Register via this link: https://www.greenkey.global/criteria-explained-2026-2031

28/07/2026

📢 Important updates to Green Key certification are on the way!

Green Key International is hosting a second round of online information sessions on Wednesday 19 August to support establishments during this certification transition period.

The sessions will cover the most important updates to the certification requirements, offer practical guidance on the application process, and include a live Q&A with the Green Key team.

Choose the session that suits your schedule:
📅 Session A – 19 August, 09:00 CEST
📅 Session B – 19 August, 15:00 CEST

💚🔑Secure your spot today and join us - registration via this link: https://www.greenkey.global/criteria-explained-2026-2031

21/07/2026

💧 At Rum Planet Camp in Jordan, ancient Bedouin wisdom meets modern responsible tourism. Rooted in a heritage that views humans as part of nature, the camp is preserving both the desert landscape and the cultural traditions that have protected it for generations.

From solar energy and water conservation to their inspiring “10 Minutes for Nature” initiative, every action reflects a commitment to living in harmony with the environment.

Discover how Bedouin values, community engagement, and sustainable tourism are shaping a more responsible future in this Green Key certified establishment.

Read the full article – https://www.greenkey.global/good-practices-ideas//rum-planet-desert-sustainability