Why Become a Designated Property

Earning the title of a Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Green Lodging Program designated facility demonstrates a responsibility to protect Florida’s environment while providing the comforts of home.

Three of the most significant benefits that a facility earns when it becomes designated with the Florida Green Lodging Program are:

1. Saving Money and Reducing Utility Costs

   With rising in energy costs, there is a great deal of focus on reducing the state’s dependence on fossil fuels. Best Management Practices initiated through Florida Green Lodging Program can help lower power, water and waste bills and help to cut costs in many other areas. The Florida Green Lodging Program staff and partners offer free technical assistance that save money.

   As a bonus, properties with less than 100 rooms will receive, at no cost, customized Florida oriented placards to announce their linen and towel reuse programs to guests.

2. Marketing to a New Audience

   Designated Properties will have the opportunity to use the Florida Green Lodging Program’s logo on their marketing materials showing a commitment to proactive environmental protection and conservation by implementing more efficient practices.

   Ecotourism is a fast-growing sector of Florida tourism, attracting many visitors to Florida. According to a survey by the Travel Industry Association of America, 54 million adults noted that they were inclined to book with travel companies that strive to protect and preserve the local environment of the destination. Marketing to eco-friendly travelers targets this additional audience.

   State and local government employees are also encouraged to use Florida Green Lodging Program facilities for conferences and when traveling.

   On July 13, at his Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change, Governor Crist signed three executive orders initiating state energy-use policies, including one that requires state agencies and departments to hold meetings and conferences only at hotels with the Florida Green Lodging Program designation starting January 1, 2008. The Summit was a bold first step to explore groundbreaking technologies and strategies that will place our state at the forefront of the growing world-wide movement to reduce greenhouse gases.

3. FREE ADVERTISING

   As a designated Florida Green Lodging Program facility, participants receive free advertising on the Green Lodging Web site and locator, as well as through the program’s partnerships. A real and virtual network of participants in the program will direct guests to your property. The Florida Green Lodging Program Web site receives thousands of hits each month.

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