VacationRental.org Unveils First Green Certified Vacation Rental Program

ASHEVILLE, N.C.--(Business Wire)--VacationRental.org (VRO) has announced the travel industry's first
Green Certified Vacation Rental program. The certification identifies
environmentally friendly vacation rentals that meet recycling, energy
efficiency and energy conservation standards.

As global warming and other environmental issues continue to make
headlines, more and more consumers seek to make ecologically conscious
lifestyle changes. Whether those choices include driving hybrid
vehicles or eating organic food, the "green" trend now permeates
nearly every aspect of life - including travel.

"Just as the hotel and lodging industry has chosen this direction,
so must the vacation rental sector," said Shane Owenby, VRO manager.
"The hotel industry has moved aggressively to be more green in
response to the demands of their guests. Vacation rentals must do
likewise."

Properties qualify for the designation if they meet three
criteria:

1) A recycling program available for guests, and encouragement of
its use.

2) Compact fluorescent bulbs or LED bulbs for lighting wherever
possible.

3) Guests must be encouraged to reduce energy use as much as
possible by turning off lights and appliances whenever rooms are
vacant and by turning off heating and air conditioning when doors and
windows are open.

Individual vacation rental owners are responsible for implementing
the standards themselves, and must apply to VRO to receive the
designation. The program has benefits beyond helping the planet and
cutting utility bills, Owenby said. Certification programs give
vacation rental owners a marketing advantage with a demographic that
is becoming increasingly desirable.

"VRO's green certification seal will bring more environmentally
conscious customers to their vacation rental," Owenby said.

VacationRental.org provides an online directory for rental
properties in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean
Islands. The website's ubiquitous online presence includes Top
Rankings in Google for searches such as "Luxury Vacation Rental." The
company has also developed a reputation for superior lodging through
its Standards of Quality.

For more information regarding VacationRental.org's Green
Certified Vacation Rental program, visit
http://www.vacationrental.org, call Shane Owenby at 828-221-2122 or
email info@vacationrental.org.

VacationRental.org
Shane Owenby, 828-221-2122
info@vacationrental.org

Copyright Business Wire 2008