Responsible Tourism Standard FAQ’s

We use “luxury rental brand” as a generic term for high standard and exclusive stand alone properties which would include chalets, villas, lodges, private islands, castles and similar property types.

Eligible properties provide intimate setting in their location and surroundings, elegant design features and state-of-the-art amenities, refined and arty interiors, and an outstanding hospitality experience to discerning travelers.

Our standard includes 100 criteria that cover most of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

To keep it clearer for all our members, we have structured the framework around Four Pillars which contextualize the 4 corresponding impacts the framework and the properties to generate

• Pillar I: Environmental Stewardship
• Pillar II: Community & Cultural Heritage
• Pillar III: Guest Well-being & Experiences
• Pillar IV: Ethical Business Practices

NB: It is NOT required to meet all 100 criteria to become certified

Our standard includes 100 criteria that cover most of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The criteria are then split into 10 topics:

1. Energy efficiency,
2. Water conservation,
3. Waste management,
4. Biodiversity preservation,
5. Ecosystem development,
6. Contribution to the community,
7. Destination management,
8. Social Responsibility
9. Guest well-being
10. Events

This structure ensures that all aspects of a property’ impacts are catered for to generate a responsible and responsible outcome on the people, the planet and their prosperity.

NB: It is NOT required to meet all 100 criteria to become certified

We are in permanent contact with all members during the implementation process to support and fast-track the implementation of the practices. To help them monitor and measure their progress, we use a state of the start Certification Management System (CMS) which includes the knowledge base ane feedback loop so we are all know where each memeber is at.

Once the application is completed and all documents, videos or images have been submitted, we will contact the property within one week to finalise the verification.

Providing that all criteria are met, and no information needs to be clarified or re-submitted, the endorsement will be granted after a maximum of two weeks thereafter. 

The overall mission of QALIA’s framework, and the verified members, is to actively demonstrate leadership in sustainable practices for all types of properties which in turn impacts the wider global sustainability goals in the tourism sector. 

We wish to personify the leadership of the luxury villa hospitality by raising awareness of their sustainable tourism practices, their effort to reduce their environmental impact, and encouraging the support of local communities. 

Our team uses multiple strategies for the promotion of the label:

• We run a regular PR campaign with reputed luxury lifestyle and travel magazines that are keen to feature sustainable luxury properties.
• We nurture close relationships with an increasing number of agencies specialised in luxury villas and hospitality seeking to propose sustainable properties to their clients. This is an opt-out option for each property as we respect everyone’s distribution strategy.
• We aid each property with how to promote and feature the label during their guests’ booking process. Our label is dedicated to attracting the attention of devoted conscious travellers seeking sustainable experiences, while also raising awareness among curious newcomers to the concept of sustainability in luxury villas.  

Depending on individual cases and when a property has already implemented sustainable practices, several levels can be applied for and awarded within the same 12-month period. However, separate processing fees remain applicable for each level and credit cannot be transferred between levels.

Precise consultations are conducted during our initial interview, and we invite members to submit the various levels together.

For property owners and managers with multiple units, please contact us for a quote.

We believe in conscious business and were established to help solve problems.

QALIA operates as a for-profit company in that it seeks to maximise revenue and optimise expenses. This allows us to bring high value to our members by attracting top talents rightfully compensated and using state-of-the-art tools and systems to deliver our service.

However, we consider that QALIA and the team have a for-purpose drive to ensure we are also contributing to projects and start-ups that share our values.

As such we have implemented contribution strategies through our partnership with B1G1.com platform and as of 2024 we contribute 1% of our gross revenue to charities working towards the United Nations 17 SDGs.

Over time, a portion of our net profits (after salaries, operating expenses and taxes) will also be made available for seed funding of innovative start-ups tackling environmental, social and economic challenges.

We also invite all our members to join us in this constructive philosophy and double the impact of our mission.

To ensure that our sustainability label is transparent, trustworthy, and meaningful to property owners, specialised agencies and guests, we prioritize clear and consistent communication about our verification criteria, assessment process, and ongoing sustainability initiatives.

We also work closely with our members to provide ongoing support and resources to help them implement sustainable practices and meet our criteria. Finally, we collect feedback from property owners and guests to continuously improve and refine our sustainability framework and meet the evolving needs and expectations of the stakeholders.