Amid the growing global momentum for sustainable tourism, Penghu’s hospitality sector continues to make steady progress toward sustainable development. Hotel Ever Spring, a long-established hotel with deep ties to the local community, has been awarded the Good Travel Seal (GTS) Silver Certification following evaluation by Green Destinations B.V. of the Netherlands. This recognition not only affirms the hotel’s long-term commitment to low-carbon and environmentally friendly operations, but also highlights Penghu’s ongoing efforts to align its tourism industry with international sustainability standards.
The Good Travel Seal is an international certification system designed specifically for the tourism industry. It aims to encourage businesses to implement environmental protection measures, fulfill social responsibilities, and preserve local culture. The evaluation framework covers ten key areas, including climate and nature, social responsibility, and energy conservation and waste reduction. Ever Spring Hotel has actively implemented measures such as reducing plastic use and adopting energy-efficient equipment to lower its operational carbon footprint. At the same time, it places strong emphasis on employee welfare, cultural heritage, and social engagement, integrating sustainability into its overall management strategy.
The Penghu National Scenic Area Headquarters of the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, noted that in pursuit of its vision to develop Penghu into an international sustainable tourism and leisure destination, it has in recent years actively promoted GTS certification through outreach and briefing sessions. Local tourism operators, including accommodations, restaurants, and experiential service providers, are encouraged to apply for international sustainability certifications. In addition, through the Penghu Sustainability Map, local businesses are guided to incorporate sustainability into their daily operations. The initiative also serves to identify businesses with strong potential for international certification, with the aim of working hand in hand with the local tourism industry to enhance Penghu’s competitiveness in the global sustainable tourism market.
Note:
- The Good Travel Seal (GTS), formerly known in Taiwan as the Green Travel Seal (prior to 2025), is a certification program established by Green Destinations B.V. in the Netherlands. It is a second-party verification system developed in 2019 to help businesses and organizations within green destinations, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, implement sustainability monitoring and management. It serves as an entry-level tool aligned with global sustainable tourism criteria. (Source: Sustainable Travel Taiwan)
- Established over 50 years ago, Hotel Ever Spring is located in the heart of downtown Magong, adjacent to Magong Harbor and Central Old Street. The hotel underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2024, blending modern design with its rich heritage. In addition to actively participating in the Penghu National Scenic Area Headquarters’ “Sustainability Map” initiative, the hotel’s recent “GTS certification” enables travelers to enjoy high-quality accommodation while contributing to the protection of Penghu’s ecological resources, opening a new chapter in sustainable tourism.