POI properties are pieces of practical information easily represented by icons in products that may help travellers decide whether a POI is for them. Properties are included as appropriate in a regional context. For example, the English-Language Menu property is not applied in English-speaking countries or in non-English-speaking regions where English translations are the norm; the Air-Conditioning property is not applied in regions where it is the basic norm.
Has parking facilities.
Collected for Sights and Sleeping POIs.
Nonsmoking rooms/areas are available.
Usually just collected for Eating and Sleeping; can be used for other POI types where appropriate.
Air-conditioning (or fans, if that is the regional norm) in rooms.
Collected for Sleeping POIs.
An internet-connected computer is available.
Collected for Sleeping POIs.
Has wi-fi access.
Collected for all POIs.
A swimming pool is available.
Collected for Sleeping POIs.
A good selection of vegetarian options is available.
Collected for Eating POIs.
An English-language menu is available.
Collected for Eating POIs.
Children are welcome and accommodated through the facilities available (eg has change rooms, an elevator, flexible sleeping arrangements, children’s menus etc). Not used to indicate a child might enjoy a place (eg a theme park).
Collected for all POIs.
As with family-friendly, pets are welcome and accommodated for.
Collected for Eating and Sleeping POIs.
The following points are considered in determining whether a POI warrants a ‘sustainable’ attribute.
Does the POI have a visible green policy (such as making obvious attempts to reduce its waste)?
Does it actively encourage travellers to participate in and engage with local culture and communities (eg though local tours, providing information on the locale, recommending local restaurants and shops etc)?
Does it make visible attempts to conserve nature and biodiversity in the area?
Does it contribute to local community and conservation schemes (eg donations to upkeep of local environment, local tours etc)?
Is it certified or accredited through an environmental/ecotourism organisation?
In making this determination, consider the following guidelines.
Don’t look at POIs in any greater depth than they otherwise would. If the ‘sustainable’ part of the business isn’t obvious, we don’t expect writers to have to hunt it down.
Don’t check off every question in a ticklist each time they visit a POI. They use their judgement.
Don’t spend precious research time quizzing every hotel and tour operator about their green credentials and peering into their recycling system.
Don’t be biased against small operations. If the only people in a destination with money to act sustainably are huge multinational corporations, we don’t penalise the little guy. Writers apply judgement in deciding what level of effort you expect from different-sized businesses. This applies to entire countries too: we expect more effort from New Zealand operators than from Angolans.
Collected for all POIs except Information and Transport.