Ready, set, go… Certifications 2.0 | webinar

This webinar dived into the details of the second iteration of Travalyst’s Certifications initiative, providing an overview of its critical shift to align with upcoming European Union (EU) Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (ECGT).

The session covered:

• The transition to Certifications Initiative 2.0 and its alignment with the EU Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (ECGT).
• The essential regulatory context, including the ECGT’s global implications and the September 2026 application deadline.
• The new mechanism enabling accommodation certification schemes to self-assess and declare compliance.
• The launch of the optional pilot for sharing certified property lists in the Travalyst Data Hub.
• Opportunities for certification schemes and stakeholders to engage with the Initiative’s key work streams for 2026.

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Key insights

• ECGT Alignment & Global Impact: The Certifications Initiative 2.0, launched on January 28th, has fully transitioned from Travalyst’s initial criteria (first iteration) to align with the mandatory definition and criteria that a scheme is required to meet under the European Union (EU) Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (ECGT). This shift is essential as the ECGT is expected to apply from September 2026 and has global implications for schemes communicating with EU consumers.
• Focus & Compliance Model: The new mechanism is open to certification schemes solely in the accommodation sector at first. It requires schemes to self-assess and declare compliance with the ECGT’s criteria (governance, transparency, independent third-party verification). Travalyst does not review or assess compliance; the sole responsibility for legal compliance rests with the schemes.
• List Publication & Data Hub: Schemes that successfully declare compliance will be included on a new public list (v2). The original list from the First Iteration (v1) is currently available online and will be retired on 31st March 2026. This list is currently updated manually but will be automated and incorporated into the Travalyst Data Hub in time, which serves as the central engine for sustainability information.
• Optional Data Ingestion Pilot: Schemes are optionally invited to share their certified property list to participate in a pilot programme aimed at making this supply data available in a transparent, open-access manner in the future.
• Mechanism Documents: Key resources provided to aid schemes in their preparation include:
  • Overview
  • Declaration Form
  • Legal Guidance Note (not legal advice)
  • Continually updated FAQs

Webinar resource

Find out more

• To learn more about the Certification initiative and see FAQS, visit our Certifications initiative page.
• For any questions or comments related to our Certifications initiative, please contact us at [email protected].