Become a Certified Accommodation

At PACKED, we believe tourism can be a force for good - but only when it respects the people and places that make it possible.
Our Local Community Guardian Certification is designed for hostels, guesthouses, and colivings that go beyond hospitality: they care about the impact they leave behind.

This certification isn’t about stars or ratings.
It’s about values.

We welcome locally owned or locally operated accommodations that are committed to building a healthier relationship between travelers and the communities they visit.

To become a certified Local Community Guardian, your business must:

✅ Contribute to the development of the local community in a region impacted by tourism

✅ Foster a healthy, respectful, and fair work environment for local staff

✅ Refuse to replace paid local jobs with “volunteers” (e.g., Worldpackers, Workaway)

✅ Avoid tours and events that reinforce stereotypes or exploit local culture (e.g., "slum zoo" tours, sex tourism, school visits)

✅ Have internal initiatives that involve and benefit local residents - whether through culture, arts, education, or entrepreneurship

✅ Educate guests about the cultural, social, and environmental realities of the community they are entering

✅ Respect community rhythms and customs, avoiding noise pollution, waste, and overcrowding

✅ Be transparent in your business practices and values

What are the benefits?

Use of the PACKED Community Guardian badge across your platforms and on-site
discounts on our experiences for your guests
comission on bookings made with your referral code
being recommended on our city guides
Connection with conscious travelers looking to support ethical businesses
Promotion on our channels and travel content as a recommended partner
Join a global network of like-minded hosts committed to responsible tourism
Access to exclusive data, insights, and reports on sustainable travel trends

How does the audit work?

Application: Fill out a quick form telling us about your business.
Review: Our team will evaluate your materials and request proof when necessary.
Local Feedback: When possible, we’ll reach out to workers, neighbors, or partners to validate the information.
Decision: If approved, you’ll receive the certification, valid for 12 months.
Follow-up: We check in yearly to ensure ongoing compliance - and improvement.

This is not a bureaucracy. It’s a commitment.

Let’s make tourism better - for everyone.

Ready to join?

Company name

Type of Accommodation

City & Country

Website / Booking Platform Links

Contact Person Name

Contact Email

Instagram / Social Media Handles

Do you organize experiences that foster authentic cultural exchange? (If yes, give a few examples)

Is the business locally owned? If not, please explain the ownership structure

Do you offer fair contracts and legal employment to all staff?

Yes

Do you host or promote events that involve the local community? (If yes, describe briefly)

How do you handle problematic guest behavior that harms the local environment or community?

Describe any partnerships with NGOs, community groups, or cultural institutions

Describe how your business contributes to the local economy

Do you avoid promoting exploitative or stereotypical tours/events (e.g., "poverty porn" tours, sex tourism, animal shows, school visits without proper protection for kids, etc.)?

Yes

I understand that PACKED reserves the right to conduct audits or interviews with staff/community members to validate certification.

I agree to uphold the PACKED Community Guardian Code and understand that certification may be revoked if violations are found.

Become a Certified Accommodation

To become a certified Local Community Guardian, your business must:

What are the benefits?

Use of the PACKED Community Guardian badge across your platforms and on-site

discounts on our experiences for your guests

comission on bookings made with your referral code

being recommended on our city guides

Connection with conscious travelers looking to support ethical businesses

Promotion on our channels and travel content as a recommended partner

Join a global network of like-minded hosts committed to responsible tourism

Access to exclusive data, insights, and reports on sustainable travel trends

How does the audit work?

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