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Stayokay First European Hospitality Chain To Be Awarded European Eco-label

Stayokay First European Hospitality Chain To Be Awarded European Eco-label

30 December 08

The largest provider of group and budget accommodation in the Netherlands, Stayokay, is the first tourist accommodation chain in Europe to be awarded the European Eco-label, a European seal of approval in recognition of businesses marketing environmentally friendly non-food products and services. The official award presentation takes place today during the Vakantiebeurs trade day, being held in the Jaarbeurs Exhibition Centre in Utrecht (NL). Ben Casper, Head of the EU Eco-label Team at the European Commission, will be presenting Stayokay with its award.

Eco-Measures
Since 01 January 2008, all thirty Stayokay hostels have met the requirements set for environmentally friendly business practices. These requirements cover areas such as energy and water saving measures, reduced waste, smoke-free zones in communal areas, organic ingredients and bicycle rental. Stayokay also provides environmentally friendly package deals and staff training for reduced cleaning product usage.

Sustainable Tourism
Chris Hommes, Stayokay Sales & Marketing Manager, said, 'Stayokay has long had a great deal of respect for people, nature and society. Environmentally friendly practices play a very prominent role in the way we do business. Stayokay uses green electricity, printed materials are environmentally friendly, and hostel guests enjoy fresh, free-range eggs and Fairtrade coffee. Guests are also requested to contribute by sorting waste for recycling, by using water more sparingly and by turning lights and heating off whenever they leave the room. The European Eco-label acknowledges Stayokay's sustainable business practices and profiles the chain as a pioneer in environmentally friendly business practices within the tourist industry.'

The European Eco-label
The European Eco-label is a European seal of approval awarded in recognition of businesses marketing non-food products and services in an environmentally friendly fashion. In 1992, the EU set up the European Eco-label initiative to encourage manufacturers to produce environmentally friendly products and services, and to help consumers make conscious and reliable environmental choices. The European Eco-label is represented in the Netherlands by Stichting Milieukeur (SMK).

'Green Flower Power'
The European Eco-label appears throughout Europe on several thousand non-food products and services, across twenty-six product groups ranging from camping sites, hotels, bungalow parks, household appliances and cleaning products to office supplies, mattresses and DIY items. Products and services are assessed by an independent body based on their compliance with both environmental and quality level requirements, and can be readily identified by 'The Flower', the European Eco-label logo.

Establishing the European Eco-label
The European Eco-label is the only environmental seal of approval that has been developed and managed under the auspices of the European Union, and is recognized internationally as an important environmental and quality label. Independent bodies are responsible for European Eco-label implementation at a national level. Criteria were established as part of a multi-stakeholder process involving industry, commerce, consumer and environmental organizations, and SMEs. Member States vote on the definitive criteria that are ultimately recognized by the European Commission.

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