The Foundation for Environmental Education’s (FEE) member organisation in India, the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), is launching the national management of Green Key in the country.
© YRE Student from India, 1st Place Winner, Litter Less Category in 2020, YRE International Competition
After the successful implementation of the FEE programme, the Blue Flag certificate for beaches, marinas and sustainable tourism boats, CEE is now launching the Green Key programme in the country. With this important step, CEE is supporting and recognising responsible hospitality practices and contributing to a more sustainable tourism industry in India.
India, known for its vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality, has long been a sought-after destination for travelers from around the globe. As the tourism industry continues to grow, there is an increasing need to ensure that this growth is sustainable and environmentally responsible. The national implementation of Green Key in India holds several advantages for both the tourism establishments in the country but also the tourism sector in general.
Due to the increased proximity of the National Operator to the tourism establishments in India, Green Key can ensure to meet the specific needs and requirements of the market. CEE’s focus on raising awareness, and educating about the environment and sustainable development, paired with the understanding for the Indian culture and country-specific conditions is another benefit of the national implementation of the programme. Therefore, Green Key ensures that sustainability practices are not only effective but also culturally relevant.
With the growing awareness of environmental issues and a rising preference for sustainable travel experiences, tourists are seeking accommodation options that align with their values. The Green Key programme addresses this demand by providing a reliable and credible certification that assures tourists of a tourism establishment’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Kartikeya V. Sarabhai, Director of the Centre for Environment Education, emphasizes the deep-rooted Indian tradition of honoring guests by stating,
"'Atithi devo bhava' - the guest is highly honored in the Indian tradition. We hope to continue and enrich this tradition by supporting and recognizing responsible hospitality and a caring environment with the Green Key program."
Dr. Jagat Mangaraj, National Operator of Green Key India, explains
"Green Key will add an environmental value to hotels and hospitality services in India, keeping in mind the local context. With Green Key, hotel staff and tourists have the opportunity to make positive contributions to sustainability."
Finn Bolding Thomsen, Green Key International Director, adds:
“We are happy to have CEE as our new National Operator in India to develop our programme in the country, and we encourage any hotel or other tourism facilities eligible for Green Key in India to apply or contact our National Operator in Inda for more information about the programme.”
The launch of Green Key in India through the new National Operator marks an important milestone in promoting sustainable tourism practices within the country. As the Indian tourism sector continues to grow, the Green Key certification will play a vital role in contributing to India's commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage while embracing sustainable development.
About CEE
CEE is a national institution engaged in developing programmes and materials to increase awareness, action about the environment and sustainable development. CEE was established in 1984 as a centre of excellence in environment education, then supported by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MOEF) in India.
Please contact our National Operator in India through this link.