Why We’re Updating Our Pricing — And Still Leading the Way in Affordable, Global Sustainability Certification

Sustonica is updating its pricing—yet even at €120, it remains the most affordable sustainability certification for vacation rentals worldwide. This article explains why the change was necessary and how we continue to offer unmatched value, accessibility, and impact.

Starting April 15th, our certification price for new clients will increase from €68 to €120. This isn’t a decision we’ve taken lightly—but one that reflects our growing responsibilities, rising operational costs, and a deep commitment to reinvesting in quality, innovation, and global sustainability impact.

Let us explain why we’re making this change — and why we still remain the most accessible and user-friendly certification in the market.

 

€68 Price Still Available for Existing Clients

If you’re already a client and have purchased at least one validation credit before April 15th, relax! You’ll keep enjoying the €68 price for as long as we can sustainably maintain it. This is our way of thanking you for your early trust and support. You helped build this movement — and we’re keeping you on board at the price you started with.

 

Why We’re Updating the Price to €120

 

1. Our Current Price Was Unsustainable

At €68, we’ve been operating with no real profit margin. This allowed us to grow quickly and reach and engage a wider audience, while encouraging Short Term Rental Professionals to become more sustainable, but it didn’t allow us to:

• Reinvest meaningfully in technology and tools
• Improve and expand our support team
• Fund more sustainability experts and auditors
• Develop educational content to support your certification journey

This new price ensures we can continue to grow with you — sustainably, transparently, and with high standards.

Even after increasing to €120, Sustonica remains the most affordable sustainability certification for vacation rentals on the global market. Based on publicly listed rates on platforms such as Booking.com, other third-party certifications start around €500 and can reach as high as €4,950—making Sustonica between 75% and 95% more affordable than most alternatives.

In addition to price, Sustonica also offers a faster and easier certification process. Our fully digital platform is built specifically for the short-term rental sector, allowing users to complete all steps online with geolocated proof, and real human support. While other certifications often require lengthy audits and complex documentation, our streamlined process empowers property managers and owners to take action quickly and confidently.

 

2. We Reinvest in Technology, People, and Innovation

Here’s what your certification fee supports:

a) External Auditors

Each certification is reviewed by independent auditors trained in ISO 19011:2018, ensuring credibility, fairness, and transparency.

b) Software Development & AI

We’re investing in tools that make your experience easy, digital-first, and intuitive:

• Mobile-friendly photo tours
• Smart document uploads
• Guidebook templates
• AI-powered assistance that flags missing criteria or helps you improve your score
• Full GDPR compliance and secure data handling
• Integrations with platforms like Booking.com and BeCause.eco

c) Human Support & Global Expertise

Our growing team of sustainability specialists, developers, auditors, and support professionals is here to make certification smooth and stress-free.

d) Sustainability Expertise

We work with specialists in energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and community impact to ensure that our criteria evolve with the latest scientific and regulatory insights.

Sustonica provides an affordable sustainability certification for vacation rentals that is both fast and globally recognized.

e) Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Our work directly contributes to key UN SDGs, including:

• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13 – Climate Action
• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

This price increase allows us to amplify our contribution to these global goals—by expanding our education, tools, and verification methods.

3. The Sustainable Travel Market Is Growing Rapidly

Sustainable tourism is no longer a niche—it’s the future. The global market is projected to reach $13 trillion by 2033, growing at a 13.5% CAGR.
Source: GlobeNewswire

As more platforms, guests, and destinations require credible sustainability proof, we need to scale up our systems, staff, and technology to stay ahead.

4. Travellers Are Willing to Pay for Sustainability

Nearly 80% of travellers are willing to pay at least 10% more for sustainable stays — even in a cost-of-living crisis.
Source: Euromonitor

Certification boosts your visibility on platforms like Booking.com, where it appears under the “Sustainability Certification” filter — helping conscious travellers choose you first.

5. We’re Aligned With Leading Global Standards

Our certification process is aligned with the most respected sustainability frameworks in the world:

• UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• ENAC – Spain’s National Accreditation Body
• Travalyst – Global travel coalition for sustainable tourism
• ISO 17065 – Certification standard for bodies operating conformity assessments

This ensures that your certification is respected across borders and eligible for recognition in major travel ecosystems.

A Price That Reflects the Value We Deliver

In summary, even at €120, we remain by far the most affordable and easiest sustainability certification on the global market — with a fast, digital-first approach, real human support, and international credibility.

We’re raising the price not to boost profits, but to:

• Strengthen our platform and people
• Support auditors and sustainability experts
• Improve your experience and impact
• Keep certification rigorous and internationally trusted
• Help property owners worldwide take real climate action

And again — existing clients can continue to certify at €68, for as long as we can maintain it.

We’ll continue doing our best to keep sustainability accessible to all, no matter where your property is or how many units you manage.

Thank you for being part of this journey toward a greener future.