When Sustainability Labels
Lose Their Meaning
When it comes to sustainable travel, we’ve all seen the plaques and logos: “Eco-Certified,” “Green Globe,” “Sustainable Gold.” These certifications are meant to guide travelers toward more responsible choices, but as the travel industry floods with so-called “green” claims, it’s more important than ever to look beyond the surface.
Verification Begins on the Ground
In my opinion, the only way a “green seal” or certification truly makes sense is if it’s backed by a rigorous, on-site inspection. Without that, it’s just a piece of paper.
Inside the Beyond Green Audit Process
As Arenas Del Mar in Manuel Antonio, a member of Beyond Green, a group of sustainable luxury hotels, we know firsthand the meticulous process involved. To become a member, our claims about sustainability are confirmed by a qualified inspector during a very thorough, multi-day audit. The process is demanding, and the biennial inspections ensure that our high standards are consistently upheld. If we don’t pass, we are no longer part of the group.
The same principle of verification is true for the Costa Rican CST (Certification for Sustainable Tourism), which also requires an on-site visit to verify all information. Any certification that does not require this hands-on approach lacks credibility.
Recognition Backed by Real Evaluation
The same is true for “green” or “sustainability” awards.
We were immensely proud to win two very prestigious awards: the National Geographic World Legacy Award and the WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Award.
In both cases, a thorough inspection of our properties happened on-site for all the finalists before the winner was declared. It was this rigorous, independent verification that made the recognition so meaningful.
This is the very essence of the “Cayuga Way.” Walking the talk! It’s a philosophy that goes beyond words on a website. It is about a genuine commitment to our communities and the environment, proven not just by our actions, but by the qualified eyes that have seen them firsthand. Because true sustainability isn’t about looking good on paper—it’s about the deep, unwavering work you do every single day. And that’s something that can only be verified on the ground.
