The Power of the Guidebook in Sustonica Certification
At Sustonica, creating a guidebook isn’t just a box to tick—it’s a meaningful opportunity to boost your sustainability score and connect guests with your destination responsibly.
How Much Does the Guidebook Count?
The guidebook contributes up to 12% of your total score, depending on your property type. That’s a significant percentage for a relatively simple yet high-impact action. Here’s how it breaks down:
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Country Homes (with or without pool): 8 criteria in Section B, of which 6 can be fulfilled via the guidebook (75% of that section)
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City Apartments / Town houses: 11 criteria in Section B, with 6 guidebook-based criteria (over 50% of that section)
Given that Section B typically accounts for around 20–25% of your total score, the guidebook alone can represent 10–12% of your final certification outcome.
How Much Effort Does It Take?
Creating a compliant guidebook might sound daunting—but it’s easier than you think. The process is entirely digital and can be completed in 1–2 hours using existing information and free local resources.
You’ll need to include:
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Local organic and vegetarian food options
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Volunteering opportunities
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Heritage sites and hidden gems
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Local EV charging stations and water refill points
You can reuse the same guidebook across multiple properties, making it especially efficient for property managers with portfolios.
Why It Matters
Adding these elements to your guidebook isn’t just about points. It supports:
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Sustainable tourism: Encourages guests to reduce emissions and support local businesses
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Positive community impact: Promotes cultural heritage and volunteerism
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Enhanced guest experience: Offers meaningful travel experiences beyond tourist hotspots
Guidebooks help travellers engage more thoughtfully with the destination, and that’s exactly the kind of tourism the planet needs more of.
If you’re looking for a high-impact, low-effort way to increase your sustainability score—while genuinely improving your guest experience—the guidebook is your best bet.
Need help getting started? Our Help Centre article will walk you through it.