SUSTAINABLE TOURISM CERTIFICATION

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To become certified as a sustainable hotel, a hotel must go through a certification process that typically involves the following steps:

1. Select a certification program: The hotel must select a certification program that aligns with its sustainability goals and values. There are several recognized certification programs available at SHG: 3 certifications ("Environmental Impact Certification", "Social Impact Certification" and "Economical Impact Certification") and the "Triple Impact Certification" gathering those 3 certifications.
2. Assess the hotel's sustainability performance: The hotel must conduct a sustainability assessment to evaluate its environmental, social, and economic impact. The assessment may involve collecting data on energy consumption, water usage, waste generation, and social and economic practices. The hotel may use a sustainability consultant from SHG or a SHG certification program's assessment tools to conduct the assessment.
3. Develop a sustainability plan: Based on the assessment results, the hotel must develop a sustainability plan that outlines its goals, targets, and action plans for improving its sustainability performance. The plan should prioritize areas for improvement, such as reducing energy consumption or increasing waste diversion rates.
4. Implement sustainability initiatives: The hotel must implement the sustainability initiatives outlined in its plan. This may involve investing in energy-efficient equipment, reducing waste through recycling and composting, or sourcing products and services locally.
5. Verify sustainability performance: Once the sustainability initiatives have been implemented, the hotel must undergo an audit or verification process to confirm that it has met the certification program's sustainability standards. The audit may involve on-site inspections, documentation review, and interviews with hotel staff.
6. Obtain certification: If the hotel meets the certification program's sustainability standards, it will be awarded certification by SHG. The certification may be valid for a certain period: three years, after which the hotel must undergo a recertification process to maintain its certification status.

The certification process can vary depending on the certification program, but generally, it involves a thorough evaluation of the hotel's sustainability performance, followed by the implementation of sustainable practices and verification of results.

After the audit and inspection, the certification is valid for a certain period: 3 years. Then, the hotel must undergo a recertification process to maintain its certification status.

Indeed, after the certification period expires, the hotel must undergo a recertification process to demonstrate that it has maintained or improved its sustainability performance. The recertification process typically involves a sustainability assessment, verification of sustainability initiatives, and reapplication for certification. The recertification process ensures that the hotel remains committed to sustainable practices over time and continues to improve its sustainability performance. 

The cost of certification for a hotel to become a sustainable hotel can vary depending on the labels ("Environmental Impact Certification", "Social Impact Certification", "Economical Impact Certification" or "Triple Impact Certification") and the size of the hotel. Generally, the cost of certification can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

For example, SHG (Swiss Hospitality Group), which is one of the most recognized sustainable certification programs, charges a certification fee based on the number of rooms in the hotel. The certification fee per year for a hotel with up to 50 rooms is $850, while for a hotel with more than 200 rooms, the fee is $2,000. In addition, the inspection fees will be charged $480 per visit of 3 hours, and travelling expenses will be added. 

It's worth noting that the cost of certification is just one aspect of the cost of becoming a sustainable hotel. Implementing sustainable practices, such as energy efficiency and waste reduction, may require initial investments in equipment and infrastructure that could add to the overall cost. However, these investments can pay off in the long term through cost savings on energy, water, and waste management.