Visit Tucson is proud to announce its partnership with Green Key Global, one of the leading sustainability certification bodies for the hospitality industry in North America. Through this innovative collaboration, Visit Tucson will provide its member hotels with incentives to achieve Green Key Global’s Eco-Rating certification, empowering local properties to elevate their sustainability practices.
This partnership solidifies Tucson’s position as a premier sustainable destination by equipping hotels with the tools and recognition needed to attract eco-conscious travelers and events. Together, Visit Tucson and Green Key Global aim to foster a greener future for the region while supporting its vibrant hospitality industry.
“Sustainability is at the heart of what makes Tucson special,” said Vanessa Bechtol, Visit Tucson’s Vice President of Destination Stewardship. “Through this partnership, we’re not only supporting our hotels but also shaping the region’s identity as a sustainable travel destination that prioritizes both environmental stewardship and economic growth.”
Green Key Global’s managing director, Anick Levesque, emphasized the broader impact of this initiative, “This program is a significant step toward creating a sustainable tourism ecosystem in Tucson. By encouraging certification, Visit Tucson is motivating hotels to take that critical first step in optimizing their sustainability practices.”
Benefits of Green Key Global Certification
- Enhanced Guest Appeal: Hotels with third party sustainability certification are better positioned to attract sustainability-minded travelers and event planners, a growing segment of the market.
- Cost Savings: Certified properties often save up to 20% in resource efficiency, according to the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.
- Increased Visibility: Certified hotels gain enhanced exposure on leading Online Travel Agency (OTA) platforms, such as Booking.com, Expedia etc., with dedicated search options for sustainable properties.
About Green Key Global
Green Key Global, co-owned by the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), is a leader in sustainability certification for the hospitality industry. With solutions aligned to all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Green Key Global helps members achieve sustainability excellence and gain a competitive edge in the eco-conscious travel market. Learn more at greenkeyglobal.com.
About Visit Tucson
Visit Tucson is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Tucson and Pima County. A nonprofit 501(c)(6), Visit Tucson collaborates with partners like the Tohono O’odham Nation, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, and more than 400 business members to attract leisure visitors, group meetings, sports events, and more. Discover more at visittucson.org.