Business Details
24 Years
experience
Global Sustainable Travel Directory
Founded in 2002 by Lise Tyrrell during her time in Mexico, Eco Tropical Resorts was established to address environmental preservation through sustainable tourism. Our mission focuses on connecting travelers with verified eco-friendly accommodations and tours while combating greenwashing through our proprietary Online Eco Rating system. With over two decades of combined experience in eco-lodge operations and environmental advocacy, we curate a global directory spanning six continents. Our team, including co-founder Carolien van Santvoord, leverages firsthand expertise from managing eco-lodges in Mexico and Cameroon to verify sustainability claims.We collaborate with conservation organizations like Wild Futures and The Orangutan Project, maintaining strict listing criteria that require lodges to demonstrate measurable environmental practices. Our platform serves as both a resource for conscious travelers and a certification tool for sustainable businesses, offering free listings to verified non-profits. Through continuous expansion since our Arizona-based headquarters, we now include tour companies, volunteer programs, and sustainable property sales listings while advocating for responsible ecotourism practices worldwide.
Services
Sustainable Hotel Directory
Eco Rating Exam
NGO Partnerships
Volunteer Tourism Info
Sustainable Property Sales
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We developed the Online Eco Rating system to verify sustainability claims
- Our team includes former eco-lodge owners with 20+ years of industry experience
- We partner with primate conservation organizations like The Orangutan Project
- We offer free listings to verified non-profit organizations
- Our directory includes sustainable property sales listings in three countries
Services
Sustainable Hotel Directory
Our global directory connects travelers with verified eco-friendly accommodations across eight continents. Each listing undergoes rigorous evaluation to ensure genuine sustainability practices. We provide detailed information about environmental initiatives and community impact programs.
Eco Rating Exam
Our proprietary 1-5 rating system measures environmental performance through 20+ criteria categories. Lodges achieving scores above 2 demonstrate verifiable sustainability commitments. The exam helps travelers identify genuinely eco-conscious establishments.
NGO Partnerships
We collaborate with wildlife conservation organizations through awareness campaigns and direct support. Partners include primate sanctuaries and rainforest preservation groups. Our platform promotes their initiatives to our global audience.
Volunteer Tourism Info
We provide resources for ethical volunteer tourism programs focused on environmental conservation. Our listings connect travelers with verified projects that create meaningful community impact while protecting natural habitats.
Sustainable Property Sales
Our platform features listings for eco-lodges and sustainable properties available for purchase in three countries. We verify each property's environmental credentials to ensure alignment with our sustainability standards.
People
Lise Tyrrell
CEO
Founder with 20+ years experience in sustainable tourism. Developed the Online Eco Rating system. Advocate for environmental conservation through responsible travel practices. Based in Tucson, Arizona.
Carolien van Santvoord
Co-Founder
Dutch national with 20 years operating eco-lodges in Mexico. Expert in low-impact tourism development. Focuses on verifying sustainability claims and expanding global directory coverage.
Questions
How do you verify eco-lodges' sustainability claims?
We use our proprietary Online Eco Rating system evaluating 20+ environmental criteria. We also conduct direct communication with lodges about their practices.
What regions do you cover?
Our directory spans eight continents with listings in Africa, Asia, Australia/Oceania, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, North America, and South America.
Do you list tour companies?
Yes, we include verified eco-friendly tour operators alongside our accommodation listings. Both must demonstrate measurable sustainability practices.
How does your rating system work?
Our 1-5 scale measures environmental performance across categories like energy use and waste management. Scores above 2 indicate verifiable sustainability commitments.
Do you support conservation efforts?
We partner with organizations like The Orangutan Project and Wild Futures. We promote their initiatives through our platform and awareness campaigns.
Can I list my eco-lodge?
Submit through our Add Your Listing form. We'll review your sustainability practices before approval. Free listings available for verified non-profits.
