Maryland Green Travel encourages environmentally-friendly practices in all aspects of the state’s tourism industry and promotes Maryland as a green destination to the eco-minded traveler. The program was developed by the Maryland Office of Tourism in partnership with the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Maryland Tourism Council.
Maryland Green Travel is a voluntary, self-certification program. It recognizes tourism-related businesses that are committed to reducing their environmental impact. The program provides guidance and resources for these businesses to evaluate their operations, set goals, and take specific actions toward environmental sustainability.
JOIN NOW!! The program is simple to enroll in and it’s free. Businesses can join the Maryland Green Travel program in just a few easy steps:
- Logon to the Maryland Green Travel web site
- Complete the online application
o Meet the Core Requirements
o Provide contact information
o Complete the Checklist
- Submit the online application
Businesses are encouraged to log on to the Maryland Green Travel web site and complete an online application. The application verifies that they are practicing core environmental-friendly activities, relative to their industry sector. Certified applicants will be promoted as a Maryland Green Travel Partner on the visitMaryland.org web site. Properties certified in the Maryland Green Travel program will also receive certification through the Department of the Environment’s Maryland Green Registry.
Currently, Maryland Green Travel is certifying only businesses in the lodging sector. Applications for certification in other sectors of the tourism industry will be available soon. Those applications will be designed for: attractions, campgrounds, convention centers, festivals/events, golf courses, marinas and restaurants, among others.
Maryland Green Travel supports the Smart, Green and Growing program. It is also intended to: promote sustainable business practices; reduce costs; provide a marketing edge for businesses; inform travelers; and encourage the state’s tourism industry to protect the beauty and vitality of Maryland’s natural landscape.