Green Tourism Business Scheme

Many businesses realise this is not a one off exercise and once they see the benefits want to do more. They also want to get accreditation for their good practice and ongoing detailed advice on how to achieve constant improvements. Many Northwest tourism businesses are part of this scheme, why not consider it, it will be good for your business.

Sustainability and green issues are now very much mainstream, with governments, businesses and individuals all involved. Tourism, as one of the main economic drivers in the UK, has its part to play. That is where the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) comes in.

The GTBS is the leading sustainable tourism certification scheme in the UK, with over 1400 members. Businesses opting to join are assessed by a qualified grading advisor against a rigorous set of criteria, covering a range of areas, like energy and water efficiency, waste management, biodiversity and more.

Businesses that meet the required standard, receive a Bronze, Silver, or Gold award based on their level of achievement. The current network of members is comprised of a wide range of business types, including accommodation providers, visitor attractions, corporate offices and others.

The Green Tourism Business Scheme website has details and links to members, partners and destinations. There is also information on the criteria, case studies, news, and background to the scheme.

Here in Lancashire we have several accommodation providers already in the scheme and future schemes have now been secured to run in 2008/09.

Latest News - 2008/09 Scheme.

The Forest of Bowland have secured funding to help grant-aid businesses who want to enter for the GTBS accreditation – endorsed by Lancashire County Council, North West Development Agency and Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board as the scheme to recognise Sustainable Tourism businesses throughout the region.

See this link on the Forest of Bowland website for more background on GTBS and examples of how the 18 businesses who did the programme last year benefited http://www.forestofbowland.com/BusinessNetwork/bn_greentourism.asp

The GTBS programme will involve advice, training and evaluation over the winter aimed at getting accreditation by March 2009.

As last year, introductory seminars are on offer  (FREE!) to explain what GTBS involves and will run on the 7th, 8th and 15th October.

Visit this link http://www.survey.bris.ac.uk/bowland/gtbs_seminar1  to see more and to book online for one of the GTBS seminars.

For more information on GTBS Scheme contact:

Jane Saxon, Business Development Manager 01257 226604 jsaxon@lbtbltd.com