Sustainability certification in travel

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GreenSign is a leading sustainability certification organization dedicated to advancing responsible tourism through rigorous criteria and continuous improvement. Market shifts toward digital transparency and consumer demand for eco-credentials has led to the rising importance of verified sustainability information on Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). GreenSign identified the gap in certification visibility and data integration across booking platforms. By partnering with BeCause, GreenSign overcame these challenges; thereby improving their data management and expanding their recognition.

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Navigating challenges in a growing market

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Prior to collaboration, GreenSign faced difficulties in efficiently transferring certification data to major OTAs. At the time there was limited awareness of certification relevance on online platforms. Furthermore, data formats varied across the different OTA platforms, creating inefficiencies and the risk of outdated or incomplete information being displayed. Although GreenSign had an existing API and data sharing process with some OTA partners, the growth of OTAs like Booking.com required broader, scalable integration.

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Setting ambitious goals for impact and efficiency

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GreenSign aimed to streamline the transfer of certification data to OTAs to boost visibility and market recognition. They also sought to improve the efficiency and quality of their data management, ensuring consistent, up-to-date certification information is accessible on booking platforms. These goals aligned with the wider business aims of cementing their reputation as a market leader in sustainability certification and enabling hotels to leverage their certification for competitiveness and transparency.

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Collaborating with BeCause to unlock potential

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Greensign had a few existing API integrations with relevant platforms but required a consolidated solution which could stream their data to numerous OTAs. BeCause provided a consolidating platform that enabled GreenSign to efficiently collate, manage, and forward certification data in formats tailored for various OTAs. The partnership involves key stakeholder collaboration between GreenSign’s teams and BeCause's integration experts. Together, they facilitated seamless data transfer to major OTAs, particularly Booking.com, enhancing the visibility of GreenSign-certified properties within the travel market’s leading digital channels.

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It has been a pleasure working with BeCause due to their highly ambitious team combined with a great spirit and the right intentions. They are very solution and data-driven, which has helped us further improve our collaboration and presence in the market. —Julian Reingraber | Strategic Development Manager

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A strategic and supported implementation journey

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The partnership journey began with technical assessments of existing APIs and data exchange methods. Thereafter BeCause’s data hub consolidated certification data for use by multiple OTAs, adhering to industry frameworks such as Travalyst and GSTC. Regular quality checks and data updates are embedded in the workflow, and both parties maintain active communication with the various OTAs to optimize certification display and engagement.

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Tangible outcomes and growing influence

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• Certification data transfer became significantly faster and more reliable, replacing manual approaches with automated, standardized processes.
• GreenSign’s presence on key platforms like Booking.com grew, enhancing GreenSign's reputation as a trusted market leader in sustainability certification.
• Certified hotels gained higher profile visibility, helping them attract eco-conscious travelers and showcase their commitment to sustainability.
• The collaboration sparked increased industry engagement and education around certifications, further strengthening the ecosystem.
• While direct compliance reporting impacts are still emerging, hotels benefitted from improved data visibility and branding opportunities.

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Insights and forward momentum

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GreenSign's experience highlights the importance of transparent, digital data management for scaling sustainability impact in tourism. The partnership demonstrated that successful certification programs require ongoing adaptation, technological integration, and strong industry collaboration. Incremental progress, continuous goal-setting, and staff engagement at hotels remain essential to realizing the full benefits of certification. Both organizations share a commitment to advancing transparent, technology-enabled sustainability solutions that will help transform travel toward a greener future.

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Join the movement

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Discover how BeCause can help your certification program or hotel chain enhance sustainable data integration and visibility. Explore the growing impact of trusted certifications and take part in the digital transformation driving sustainable travel & tourism forward.

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Summary of lessons learned

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1. Digital data management and transparency are foundational to scaling sustainability certification impact in travel.
2. Early investment in API and integration technologies enables more responsive, scalable data sharing with multiple channel partners.
3. Certification success depends on continuous dialogue and collaboration between certifiers, platforms, and hotel clients.
4. Incremental improvements and strategic alignment with industry standards support certification relevance and market differentiation.

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Ready to elevate your sustainability certification program? Streamline data management, increase visibility on top travel platforms, and empower your certified properties to stand out. Join us today!

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