Hotels in 2026: Green Key instead of own eco-labels

Hotels like to advertise with “Eco Hotel”, “Green Resort” or their own “Nature Friendly” logos. These self-created labels will be a per-se prohibition from 27 September 2026 (EmpCo Annex I No. 4c). Only externally certified seals will continue to be permitted.

The most important recognised hotel seals: Green Key — international hotel sustainability seal, annual audit, more than 3,500 hotels worldwide. EU Ecolabel Tourist Accommodation — official EU environmental label with minimum criteria for water, energy, waste, chemicals. Travelife — specifically for hotels and tour operators, Bronze/Silver/Gold levels. Bio Hotels — association certificate for ecological accommodation establishments (D/A/CH/I). Ibex Fairstay — Swiss standard for sustainable tourism businesses.

Those that will NOT count: TripAdvisor “Green Leaders” (self-declaration), own “Eco Friendly” awards, hotel chain-owned programmes (e.g. Hilton LightStay) without external verification, “BioHotel” as a self-designation without membership of the BIO HOTELS association.

Substantiated vs. unsubstantiated (examples): A generic statement such as ❌ “Eco Hotel in Mallorca” is impermissible without concrete proof; a substantiated statement such as ✓ “Green-Key-certified hotel in Palma (Certificate No. ESP-2024-456) — Water consumption reduced by 32 % since 2019” meets the substantiation requirement. Likewise, ❌ “Climate neutral overnight stay” without an evidence chain falls under the per-se prohibition, whereas ✓ “Carbon-reduced overnight stay: 3.2 kg CO₂eq per guest (industry average 8.5 kg, ISO-14064 verified)” is verifiable (examples to illustrate the legal position).

Monitoring: Booking comfort also counts — hotel descriptions on Booking.com / Trivago / HRS are considered advertising statements and are subject to the same requirements. What is relevant is whether the marketing texts on booking platforms reflect the substantiated statements.