The Green Award

Green Tourism is Sustainable Tourism - tourism which takes into account the needs of the environment, local residents, businesses, and visitors; now and in the future.

It is relevant to any tourism enterprise, large or small, rural or urban, whether focused on ecotourism, business tourism or any other tourism niche market. Green tourism businesses are those actively engaged in reducing the negative environmental and social impacts of their tourism operations.

How sustainable tourism works for everyone

Supporting a more sustainable tourism with the help of the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) -

• Benefits the environment by conserving resources
• Reduces waste
• Reduces costs through efficiencies and staff awareness
• Fulfils customers expectations of businesses to look after their environment
• Attracts new customers
• Offers business customers in particular green certified suppliers they are increasingly demanding
• Improves your public image
• Improves the customer experience
• Improves the quality of the service you provide
• Benefits the local community
• Supports the local economy
• Reduces congestion and pollution
• Enhances the natural environment 
• By choosing a Green Tourism Business Scheme business you are guaranteed

That the business:
Is committed to sustainable tourism and minimising its damage to the environment
Is operating in accordance with the relevant environmental regulations

That the site:
Meets minimum standards of good practice across a range of sustainable development indicators.
Has been audited by a qualified professional to ensure standards are maintained.
Is committed to providing at least a reasonable quality of service between 1 and 5 stars.

That we will:
Reassess the site every two to three years based upon a set of regularly updated sustainable development standards
Investigate any complaints received about the environmental performance or commitment of the business.