Join the global sustainability challenges game as a service provider!

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 accommodation, restaurants, and experiences where their conscious choices can be authentically reflected – and more and more providers are working to make this choice possible. I-DEST makes this connection visible and tangible.

Guests complete specific challenges with every conscious decision they make – refilling a reusable bottle, sorting waste for recycling, or buying dinner from a local producer. Challenges can only be completed where the provider ensures the necessary conditions, authentically linking supply and demand.

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

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

The number of conscious travellers is growing 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 specific and visible – not empty promises, but achievable and verifiable commitments.

Specific benefits:

• New guest base – Travellers open to sustainability actively seek providers who stand out with concrete commitments. The I-DEST challenges make these offerings visible to them.
• Market differentiation – In competitive markets, sustainability challenges provide a tangible advantage for your offering.
• Enhanced guest experience and return visits – Completing the challenges is a fun and motivating experience – guests not only complete them but also return because there’s more to collect.
• Simple, credible message – The challenges communicate your sustainability in just a few words. No need for lengthy texts or complex certifications.
• Access to the internal dashboard – Track your guests’ movements, the most popular challenges, and their feedback – helping you shape 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 have an international sustainability certification, the challenge system doesn’t replace it but translates it directly into a language your guests understand.
• Stay aligned with global trends – According to data from tourism organisations and major booking platforms, more travellers are making decisions based on sustainability criteria every year.

Until 31 August 2026, all tourism businesses operating in Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Transcarpathia, Serbia, and Slovenia can join the game for free – regardless of which county or region they operate in. This opportunity is specifically designed to allow as many providers as possible to become familiar with the system and try out the experience it offers their guests.

From 1 September 2026

After the promotional period, joining will be as follows:

Free for:

•       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

For providers not included in the above categories, the joining fee is €85 + VAT / year. This includes full access to the I-DEST internal dashboards – including interfaces showing guest data and feedback.

Joining the I-DEST Sustainability Challenges involves three simple steps:

A. For businesses, attractions, and tourism info points not yet using I-DEST

1. Complete the self-assessment questionnaire

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

2. Register

Register in the I-DEST system at the end of the questionnaire. This creates your service profile, which will become 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 offer to your guests. Once set, your profile becomes active in the game: guests can start collecting badges at your location.

B. For our already registered partners

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

Subsequent verification

Commitments will be verified later in two ways:

•       Spot checks on-site or via documentation

•       Guest feedback collected through the I-DEST system

If verification shows that a badge’s conditions are not being met, 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 ensure the authenticity of commitments – completion is location-based 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 these 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 are not redeemable for physical points – there’s no central reward system; the aim is the experience and awareness itself.

However, if you’d like to motivate your guests to complete challenges, you can: for instance, if a guest completes at least five 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 for guests

•       Clearly marked 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

Water Saver

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

•       Honour guests’ requests – no changes if they opt out

•       Information in the room explaining how the system works

Rainwater 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 how the system works (sign or verbal explanation)

Clean Waters Wanderer

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

•       Information about nearby waters and the importance of protecting them

•       Bonus: bathing area information board about gentle water use

Sun Follower

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

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

Switch Saver

•       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 Energy 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 instructions

Plastic-Free Guest

•       No disposable plastic items 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 four categories (paper, plastic, glass, general waste)

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

•       Brief 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 composter, local processor, or partner)

•       Simple guide for guests on what can be composted

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 or takeaway

•       Focus on local, seasonal ingredients

Plate Conscious

•       Information card or sign at the buffet about conscious 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 Bites

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

•       Local dishes clearly marked on the menu

•       List of suppliers 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

•       List of current seasonal ingredients available to guests

Plant-Based Plate

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

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

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

Tap Water Supporter

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

•       If tap water is drinkable, staff clearly inform 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 booking confirmations

•       Information on the route 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 guest bikes available

•       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 purchase methods)

•       Bonus: ticket sales at reception

•       Bonus: partnership with local transport (discounts)

E-Traveller

•       Electric vehicle rental available on-site (e-bike, e-scooter, e-car)

•       Charging facilities provided on-site

•       Route recommendations for electric vehicles

Leave No Trace

•       Sign or information material introducing the "Leave No Trace" principles

•       Litter bags provided to guests for hikes

•       Hiking map with marked trails

Bird-Friendly

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

•       Information material about local bird species

•       Bonus: birdwatching walks or tours (organised by the provider or a partner)

•       Bonus: binoculars available for hire

Pollinator-Friendly

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

•       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

Generational Bridge

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

•       Programme introduction for guests

Inclusive Guest

•       Documented diverse employment practices (hiring people with disabilities, disadvantaged backgrounds)

•       Or verified collaboration with a social enterprise

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

Family-Friendly Explorer

•       Child and baby equipment (high chairs, cots, car seats)

•       Child-friendly menu or portions

•       Safe communal spaces and play areas for children

•       Bonus: children’s programmes

Donor

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

•       Partnership with a local charity

•       Information for guests about where donations go

Volunteer Wanderer

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

•       Guests can sign up for a programme through the provider

•       Bonus: organised volunteer day at the provider’s location

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 (organised by the provider or a partner)

•       Guests can create their own crafts

•       Involvement of a local artisan

Story Seeker

•       Locally guided tours or storytelling programmes available

•       Guides are local residents

•       Programme introduction for guests

Language-Friendly

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

•       Available in printed or digital form

Traditional Table

•       Regional, traditional local dishes on the menu

•       Prepared according to authentic local recipes

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

Animal-Friendly Guest

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

•       Information about local wildlife and respectful behaviour

•       No animal exploitation programmes offered

Conscious Rider

•       Own or partner riding school 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

•       Donation, volunteering, or visiting opportunities for guests

•       Information about the shelter and its needs

You don’t have to start with everything at once. We recommend beginning with easily achievable challenges (e.g., Bottle Hero, Water Saver, Local Bites) and gradually expanding your offerings. New challenges and categories are continuously introduced – 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 general public on 1 August 2026.