DERTOUR Launches “engage – people & planet” Label to Promote Sustainable Travel

The DERTOUR Group, part of the REWE Group, has introduced a new sustainability labelling initiative called “engage – people & planet” to highlight more sustainable travel products across its tour operators: DERTOUR, ITS, and Meiers Weltreisen. This move reflects the company’s dedication to making sustainable tourism more transparent and accessible to consumers.

What is the “engage – people & planet” Label?

• Dual-tier labelling system:
  • A dark green heart-shaped leaf marks hotels certified by internationally recognized sustainability standards under the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Approximately 1,800 hotels currently bear this label in DERTOUR’s portfolio, including partners from platforms like booking.com via Fairweg’s database.
  • A light green heart-shaped leaf outline designates excursions and round trips that, while not GSTC-certified, are internally audited against generally accepted criteria for responsible tourism.

This clear, eye-catching system helps travelers easily identify and choose more sustainable accommodations and activities.

Why This Label Matters

Laura Steden, Director of Corporate Responsibility at DERTOUR, points out the need for a trusted “umbrella label”. With over a hundred tourism seals in the market—often confusing or inconsistent—a unified label that enforces strict ecological, social, and economic standards simplifies decision-making for consumers and travel experts alike.

The label also complements DERTOUR’s broader Conscious Travel initiative, which educates travelers on reducing the impact of their trips.

Ambitious Sustainability Targets

• DERTOUR aims to have 25% of hotels in its core portfolio certified by 2025.
• The group actively encourages hotel partners to adopt sustainability management and pursue GSTC certification.
• The “engage” label is gradually rolling out across all international DERTOUR units to establish a standardized assessment of sustainable offerings.

Supporting Sustainable Tourism Goals

This initiative is part of REWE Group’s wider commitment to sustainability, which includes responsible sourcing, climate protection, and social responsibility across its business sectors. Introducing the “engage – people & planet” label aligns with these pillars by promoting environmentally and socially responsible tourism practices.

For travelers seeking greener holidays, DERTOUR’s new labelling offers a credible, easy-to-understand guide to making better choices—helping protect people and the planet without compromising on travel experiences.

Design Delight Studio curates high-impact, authoritative insights into sustainable and organic product trends, helping conscious consumers and innovative brands stay ahead in a fast-evolving green economy.