EarthCheck

EarthCheck Members recognised by AAA

EARTHCHECK PARTNERS WITH AAA TO PROVIDE NORTH AMERICAN TRAVELERS WITH INFORMATION ON ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY HOTELS

16 December 2011, New York -The American Automobile Association (AAA), one of North America's largest leisure travel organisations, has joined an increasing number of organisations that are recognising the sustainability efforts of EarthCheck's Certified hotels and tour operators.

EarthCheck Certified travel and tourism organisations located in the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean that are rated by AAA, will soon be highlighted for the Association's 52 million members in a variety of travel information products, including the next edition of AAA TourBook guides and the popular online mapping tool, the AAA TripTik® travel planner.

It's yet another feather in the cap for EarthCheck, who have almost doubled in size over the past two years; at a time when most companies are shrinking in client numbers and revenue.

"AAA supports environmental management programs throughout the lodging industry that reduce waste while maintaining quality standards for guest comfort," said Michael Petrone, AAA, Director of Tourism Information Development. "We are pleased to announce this partnership, which reinforces our commitment to providing members with valuable and reliable travel information and expands options for members who make sustainability a factor in their lodging selection."

It is the tourism industry's focus on increasing operational efficiencies and helping fatten profit margins that has stood EarthCheck so well throughout the lean years of the GFC. For travel and tourism operators using the world-leading integrated environmental management system, the benefits may be financial, but for consumers there's the feel-good-factor of knowing that each certified property or operator has been independently audited by a third party to verify the substance behind "eco" claims.

"Responsible travel starts at home," explained Stewart Moore, CEO of EarthCheck. "Before the bags are packed, there are a string of purchasing decisions that are commonly made. Supporting companies that help restore damaged ecosystems, care for host communities and apply the highest international standards of Best Practice to their operations, results in a better experience for the guest and a long lasting benefit for destinations."

More than 1300 leading tourism organizations in over 70 countries use EarthCheck and their efforts are regularly rewarded. Most recently, The Sandals Foundation secured the prestigious World Travel Market Global Award in recognition for the work it undertakes as the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International.

 

About AAA

AAA's proprietary database, which covers the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, includes detailed listings for more than 60,000 AAA Approved and Diamond rated lodgings and restaurants, 17,000 AAA Approved attractions, 21,000 events and 7,000 destinations. Data is integrated across AAA's print and online travel planning resources including the TourBook® guides, maps, TripTik® routings and the TripTik® Travel Planner online mapping tool  The AAA Diamond Rating System, North America's premier hospitality rating system, guides members in their lodging and dining selections. For more information go to: www.AAA.com/Diamonds.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 52 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travellers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.