Knowledge Networking Portal for Sustainable & Responsible Tourism
Sustainable Tourism Certificates preparing for EmpCo!
April 15th, 2026, by Herbert Hamele/ECOTRANS
EmpCo against Greenwashing
After the 27th of September 2026 private certification systems must comply with the key requirements of the EU Empowering Consumers Directive against greenwashing, otherwise they will not be accepted any more as source for the B to C marketing of green claims.
To be valid under the EU directive, certification systems must meet five key requirements:
1. Public, clearly defined standards
2. Independent third-party verification
3. Ongoing monitoring and enforcement
4. Transparent governance structures
5. Accurate and verifiable claims
Where do the seals stand today?
How far do the international and national certificates systems for sustainable tourism already operate or aim to operate according to the EmpCo? ECOTRANS has asked 24 leading national and international certificates. The results were presented on the 26th March to more than 250 participants at the German Webinar Series on “EmpCo”, organised by the German Tourism Association. 21 of the 24 certificates declared that they already operate or aim to operate until September according to the EmpCo.
Recommended certificates on the Certification Quickfinder
More certificates?
The list of "Pro EmpCo" certificates on the Certification Quickfinder is continuously being updated by ECOTRANS. Interested certification bodies are invited to declare to ECOTRANS their conformity with the key requirements of the Empowering Consumers directive on the EmpCo Declaration for Certificates (template).
"Pro EmpCo" certified tourism: source for monitoring and marketing
For destinations, marketing and promotion organisations the list of “Pro EmpCo” certificates and the listings of their certified businesses are very helpful: for monitoring their resilience and green transition as well as for supporting the market access of credibly certified hotels, camping sites, and other certified tourism enterprises. The “Pro EmpCo” systems - together with public certifications like the EU Ecolabel - currently have certified and publish on the Travel Green Planet Maps about 13,000 accommodation businesses in Europe, including 1,600 in Germany.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
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| Address | |
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| Keywords | EmpCo |
| Target group(s) | Destinations , Businesses , Education, Research, Consultancy , NGOs, Partnerships, Networks , Governments & Administrations |
| Topics | Certification & Marketing |
