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Did you know that the American Automobile Association (AAA), best known for its maps, directions and emergency road assistance, offers help with travel planning as well? AAA additionally assists travelers in booking flights, hotels and car rentals, offering discounts, city guides and other advising.
Each year, AAA releases a TourBook with information on local restaurants, attractions, maps and more than 31,000 hotels in numerous destinations. Starting in 2010, the TourBook will include an "eco" icon indicating "green" hotels, motels and lodgings promoting their environmental practices. Just as an image would show up for a featured pool, spa, room service, etc, the "eco" icon will appear in the TourBook, as well as under the Hotels search on AAA's website. Members will be able to compare the "eco" options to "non-green" properties side-by-side, additionally viewing cost and location comparisons.
Properties must be AAA-approved or Diamond-rated and certified by national or state organizations for the icon to appear. AAA has already contacted and approved Energy Star, Green Globe, Green Seal, Green Key, California Green Lodging Program, Delaware Green Lodging, Florida Green Lodging Program, Partnership for a Sustainable Georgia, Hawaii Green Business Program, Green Lodging Michigan, Missouri Certified Green Program, New Hampshire Sustainable Lodging & Restaurant Program, Vermont’s Green Hotels in the Green Mountain State, Virginia Green Lodging, and Travel Green Wisconsin certifications.
While more hotels and builders already seem to be practicing sustainability, AAA has an early advantage in their hope to raise awareness and inspire more tourists to travel green in 2010.
