Our global sustainability challenges game is launching - join as a provider!

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The goal of the I-DEST Sustainability Challenges is to connect guests' sustainability needs with the sustainable offerings of tourism providers. More and more travellers are seeking accommodations, restaurants, and experiences where their conscious choices are authentically reflected – and more providers are working to make these choices possible. I-DEST makes this connection visible and accessible.

Guests complete specific challenges with every conscious decision they make – by refilling a reusable bottle, sorting waste, or enjoying a dinner sourced from local producers. Challenges can only be completed where the provider meets the necessary conditions, ensuring the system authentically links demand and supply.

This call summarises, challenge by challenge, what a provider needs to demonstrate for their guests to start completing the given challenge at their location. 

The challenges are organised into ten thematic categories, ranging from water conservation to equality and the preservation of cultural heritage.

The number of conscious travellers grows year by year – these are guests who consider sustainability when choosing their accommodation and experiences. With the I-DEST challenge system, you can showcase your services to them in a way that makes your commitments concrete and visible – not empty promises, but achievable, verifiable commitments.

Tangible benefits:

• New customer base – Travellers open to sustainability actively seek providers who stand out with concrete commitments. I-DEST challenges make these offerings visible to them.
• Market differentiation – In competitive markets, sustainability challenges provide a tangible argument in favour of your offering.
• Enhanced guest experience and loyalty – Completing challenges is a fun and motivating experience – guests not only participate but return because there’s more to collect.
• Simple, credible messaging – Challenges communicate your sustainability in just a few words. No need for lengthy texts or complex certifications.
• Access to an internal dashboard – Monitor guest activity, the most popular challenges, and their feedback – helping you refine your offerings.
• Community and knowledge sharing – Join the I-DEST provider network to access best practices and events from other conscious businesses.
• Amplify existing certifications – If you already hold an international sustainability certification, the challenge system complements it by translating it into a language your guests understand.
• Stay aligned with global trends – According to tourism organisations and major booking platforms, more travellers are making decisions based on sustainability each year.

Until 31 August 2026, all tourism businesses operating in Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Transcarpathia, Serbia, and Slovenia can join for free – regardless of their county or region of operation. This opportunity is specifically designed to allow as many providers as possible to familiarise themselves with the system and test the experience offered to their guests.

From 1 September 2026

After the promotional period, joining will be as follows:

Free membership is available to:

•       Businesses with international sustainable tourism certifications

•       Tourinform offices and DMO organisations

•       Providers operating in the following areas: Miskolc, Alföld Slow, Sárvár, Hévíz, Harghita County, Murska Sobota, Lendava

Providers not included in the above categories will have a membership fee of €85 + VAT per year. This includes full access to I-DEST’s internal dashboards – including interfaces displaying guest data and feedback.

1. Complete the self-assessment questionnaire

Fill out the I-DEST sustainability self-assessment questionnaire: /en/service-provider-survey. This questionnaire helps you identify areas where you’re already performing well and where there’s room for improvement.

2. Registration

Register in the I-DEST system at the end of the questionnaire. This creates your service profile, which will be accessible to guests once published.

3. Set commitments on the dashboard

Log in to the I-DEST internal dashboard and set the commitments you can make on your profile – i.e., which badges you pledge to offer your guests. Once set, your profile becomes active in the game: guests can start collecting badges at your location.

If you’ve previously registered with I-DEST, check that all your details are correct on your profile, review your commitments, and activate your profile.

Commitments will be verified later in two ways:

•       Random on-site or document-based inspections

•       Guest feedback collected through the I-DEST system

If verification reveals that a badge is not being met in reality, the badge will be temporarily revoked until the conditions are restored.

QR code activation on-site

Guests complete challenges by scanning QR codes directly on-site. This means a challenge can only be activated if the guest is physically present and uses the service. The QR codes also ensure the authenticity of the commitments – completion is location-specific and cannot be achieved remotely or without using the service.

QR codes are provided by I-DEST after registration. It’s the provider’s responsibility to display them prominently at the relevant points – for example, next to the bottle refill station, recycling bins, or plant-based dishes on the menu.

Redemption and rewards

Challenges completed in the I-DEST Sustainability Challenges cannot be redeemed for physical points – there’s no central reward system; the goal is the experience and awareness itself.

However, if you’d like to motivate your guests to participate, you can: for example, if a guest completes at least 5 challenges at your location, you could offer them a small gift, discount, or surprise. You can communicate this offer on your profile so guests know what to expect.

Bottle Hero

•       Free drinking water tap or bottle refill station available to guests

•       Clearly visible signage next to the refill station (e.g., "refill your bottle here")

•       Accessible during opening hours

•       Bonus: branded reusable bottles for sale or as gifts

Drop Saver

•       Simple way for guests to opt out of daily towel and linen changes (e.g., door card, tabletop sign, app notification)

•       Honour the guest’s request – no changes if they choose so

•       Information in the room explaining how the system works

Rain Drop Guardian

•       Functional rainwater harvesting system (roof collection, tank)

•       Documented use of collected water for irrigation, cleaning, toilet flushing, or other secondary purposes

•       Information for guests about the system (sign or verbal explanation)

Clean Waters Wanderer

•       Reef-safe or biodegradable sunscreen, shower gel, shampoo available (shop, reception, bathroom)

•       Information about nearby waters and the importance of their protection

•       Bonus: bathing area information board about mindful water use

Sun Tracker

•       Accommodation or service powered by verified renewable energy (own solar panels, heat pumps, geothermal system, or green electricity contract)

•       Brief introduction of the system to guests (sign, website, info folder)

Switch Off

•       Stickers or signs in rooms encouraging energy-saving behaviour (near switches, by the door)

•       Bonus: master switch or key card system

•       Bonus: smart meters with visible data for guests

Climate-Friendly Sleeper

•       Air conditioning usage guide in the room, with recommended temperature (around 24°C)

•       Thoughtfully set lower temperature limit on the air conditioning (e.g., not adjustable below 20°C)

•       Bonus: mosquito nets on windows for natural ventilation

Green Power Traveller

•       Electric vehicle charging point on-site

•       Charger powered by verified renewable energy (own production or green electricity contract)

•       Charger availability communicated in booking confirmation or arrival guide

Plastic-Free Guest

•       No disposable plastic in the basic offering (straws, cups, sachets, miniature bottles in bathrooms)

•       Replaced with paper, bamboo, wood, or refillable dispensers

•       Guests can see this is a conscious decision – highlighted in the house rules or information

Recycling Expert

•       Clearly labelled recycling bins for at least 4 fractions (paper, plastic, glass, general waste)

•       Available in common areas and, if possible, in or near rooms

•       Short guide for guests on what goes in which bin

Compost-Friendly

•       Compost bin or system in guest areas (restaurant, communal kitchen) or rooms

•       Documented composting process (own compost bin, local processor, or partner)

•       Simple guide for guests on what is compostable

Zero-Waste Breakfast

•       At least 70% of breakfast offerings are unpackaged or served in bulk

•       Reusable plates, cutlery, cups

•       Acceptance of guests’ own containers for breakfast and takeaway

•       Focus on local, seasonal ingredients

Plate-Conscious

•       Information card or sign at the buffet about mindful portioning

•       Or smaller plates used at the buffet

•       Or à la carte serving instead of a buffet, so guests only get what they ask for

Leftover Saver

•       Returnable or compostable takeaway boxes available for guests

•       Staff actively offer to pack leftovers

•       The restaurant openly encourages guests to take leftovers home

Local Taster

•       At least 30% of the menu is based on local ingredients (local = within 100 km or the given region)

•       Local dishes clearly marked on the menu

•       Supplier list available to guests (on the website or in the restaurant)

Season Follower

•       The menu changes at least once per season

•       Seasonal dishes are specially marked

•       A list of current seasonal ingredients is available to guests

Plant-Based Plate

•       At least 2 complete plant-based (vegan) main dishes on the menu

•       Plant-based dishes are priced, sized, and positioned on the menu equally to meat-based ones

•       Clearly marked ("V" or "vegan")

Tap Water Supporter

•       Guests can request tap water or filtered water for free in the restaurant or at reception

•       If tap water is drinkable, staff clearly communicate this to guests

•       Staff do not offer bottled water instead of tap water

Railway Arriver

•       The nearest train station and timetable link are included on the website and in the booking confirmation

•       Information on how to get from the station to the accommodation (walking, local transport, transfer)

•       Bonus: welcome gift or discount for those arriving by train

Bike Explorer

•       Bicycle rental or free use of guest bikes

•       Secure, preferably covered bike storage

•       Map or route recommendations for the area

•       Bonus: basic tool kit, puncture repair kit

Walking Adventurer

•       Walking route recommendations for the area (map, distance, estimated time)

•       Useful tips for the journey (water refill points, rest stops)

Public Transport User

•       Detailed information on public transport (timetables, routes, ticket purchasing)

•       Bonus: ticket sales at reception

•       Bonus: partnership with local transport (discounts)

E-Traveller

•       Electric vehicle rental on-site (e-bike, e-scooter, e-car – at least one)

•       Charging facilities provided on-site

•       Route recommendations for electric vehicles

Leave No Trace

•       Sign or information material introducing the "Leave no trace" principles

•       Trash bags provided to guests for hikes

•       Hiking route map with designated trails

Bird-Friendly

•       Bird feeders, waterers, or nesting boxes on-site

•       Information material about local bird species

•       Bonus: birdwatching walk or tour (own or partner-organised)

•       Bonus: binoculars available for loan

Pollinator-Friendly

•       Pollinator-friendly garden (wildflower meadow, bee pasture, flower strip)

•       Chemical-free or minimal chemical use in green space maintenance

•       Information about the garden and the role of pollinators

Native Tree Guardian

•       Tree planting programme or partnership (on own property or with a local organisation)

•       Guests can participate in tree planting or "adopt" a tree

•       Documentation of planted trees

Ethical Observer

•       Recommended wildlife-related programmes operate under ethical principles (no circus performances, direct contact, or forced behaviour)

•       List of partner organisations available

•       Information material on respectful observation

Accessible Traveller

•       Verified accessible rooms, common areas, parking

•       Detailed accessibility information on the website

•       Staff trained to accommodate guests with special needs

Generations Bridge

•       At least one programme designed for multi-generational participation (e.g., craft workshop, cooking together, nature walk)

•       Programme introduction for guests

Inclusive Guest

•       Documented diverse employment practices (employing people with disabilities or from disadvantaged backgrounds)

•       Or verified collaboration with a social enterprise

•       Visible commitment (on the website, on-site)

Family-Friendly Explorer

•       Child and baby equipment (high chair, cot, car seat)

•       Child-friendly menu or portions

•       Safe common areas for children, play area

•       Bonus: children’s programmes

Donor

•       Donation box or collection point in the guest area (clothes, books, toys)

•       Partnership with a local charitable organisation

•       Information for guests about where donations go

Volunteer Wanderer

•       List of local volunteering opportunities (in coordination with local organisations)

•       Guests can sign up for a programme through the provider

•       Bonus: organised volunteer day at the provider

Surplus Sharer

•       Verified collaboration with a food rescue programme or charitable kitchen

•       Unconsumed but edible food is regularly donated

•       Guests are informed about the programme

Local Heart

•       At least 1% of profits are allocated to local social causes

•       Or operates as a social enterprise

•       Transparency: annual report or information for guests

Local Shopper

•       Local producer shelf, market, or shop on-site

•       Or organised guest visits to local producers or markets

•       Introduction of producers (name, story)

Craft Explorer

•       Traditional craft demonstration or workshop on-site (own or partner-organised)

•       Guests can create their own crafts

•       Participation of a local artisan

Story Seeker

•       Local guided tour or storytelling programme available

•       Guides are local residents

•       Programme introduction for guests

Language-Friendly

•       Mini language card or dictionary with basic local phrases (greetings, thank you, please, numbers)

•       Available in printed or digital format

Traditional Table

•       Regional, traditional local dishes on the menu

•       Prepared according to original local recipes

•       Short description of the dish’s story (on the menu or a sign)

Animal-Friendly Guest

•       Pet-friendly services (if pets are allowed): water, food, space

•       Information about local wildlife and respectful behaviour

•       No exploitative animal programmes offered

Conscious Rider

•       Own or partner stables ensuring high animal welfare standards

•       Horses receive proper rest, feeding, and veterinary care

•       Ethical riding practices (load limits, weight ratio on the horse)

Shelter Supporter

•       Collaboration with a local animal shelter

•       Opportunities for guests to donate, volunteer, or visit

•       Information about the shelter and its needs

You don’t need to start with everything at once. We recommend beginning with easily achievable challenges (e.g., Bottle Hero, Drop Saver, Local Taster) and gradually expanding your offerings. New challenges and categories are introduced continuously – keep an eye on the I-DEST website and social media pages!

If you have any questions, contact the I-DEST team! Email: info@i-dest.com

The game will launch to the public on 1 August 2026.