VacationRental.org Unveils First Green Certified Vacation Rental Program

VacationRental.org (VRO) has announced the travel industry’s first Green Certified Vacation Rental program.

Asheville, N.C. (PRWEB) January 15, 2008-- VacationRental.org (VRO) has announced the travel industry’s first Green Certified Vacation Rental program. The certification identifies environmentally friendly vacation rentals that meet recycling, energy efficiency and energy conservation standards.

As global warming and other environmental issues continue to make headlines, more and more consumers seek to make ecologically conscious lifestyle changes. Whether those choices include driving hybrid vehicles or eating organic food, the “green” trend now permeates nearly every aspect of life – including travel.

VRO’s green certification seal will bring more environmentally conscious customers to their vacation rental

“Just as the hotel and lodging industry has chosen this direction, so must the vacation rental sector,” said Shane Owenby, VRO manager. "The hotel industry has moved aggressively to be more green in response to the demands of their guests. Vacation rentals must do likewise."

Properties qualify for the designation if they meet three criteria:

1) A recycling program available for guests, and encouragement of its use.
2) Compact fluorescent bulbs or LED bulbs for lighting wherever possible.
3) Guests must be encouraged to reduce energy use as much as possible by turning off lights and appliances whenever rooms are vacant, and by turning off heating and air conditioning when doors and windows are open.

Individual vacation rental owners are responsible for implementing the standards themselves, and must apply to VRO to receive the designation. The program has benefits beyond helping the planet and cutting utility bills, Owenby said. Certification programs give vacation rental owners a marketing advantage with a demographic that is becoming increasingly desirable.

“VRO’s green certification seal will bring more environmentally conscious customers to their vacation rental,” Owenby said.

VacationRental.org provides an online directory for rental properties in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean Islands The website’s ubiquitous online presence includes Top Rankings in Google for searches such as “Luxury Vacation Rental.” The company has also developed a reputation for superior lodging through its Standards of Quality.

For more information regarding VacationRental.org’s Green Certified Vacation Rental program, visit http://www.vacationrental.org or call Shane Owenby at (828) 221-2122 or email info @ vacationrental.org.

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