Tourism businesses encouraged to go green

‘Going Green’ has been developed by VisitScotland to help tourism businesses take steps to become more sustainable, giving them advice which will help them go on to become members of the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS).

As a way of encouraging businesses to progressively become ‘greener’ and benefit from being less wasteful and potential improve efficiency by cost savings, those who sign up to the new free initiative agree to aim for a GTBS award within two years or sooner if possible.

The Going Green website www.greentourism.org.uk/going-green gives tourism businesses a checklist of activities they can introduce to become more sustainable. Businesses should be able to select some to introduce now and others in the coming year from a variety of areas including energy, waste, water, purchasing and transport. The activities are based on those necessary for GTBS membership.

Those who successfully meet the required standard and go on to achieve GTBS status are awarded either a Bronze, Silver or Gold award based on their level of achievement, which can then be promoted to visitors as an assurance of a businesses green credentials.

The Green Tourism Business Scheme was set up over 10 years ago and now has more than 800 members across Scotland from B&Bs to international hotel chains and tourist attractions.

More information on the Going Green scheme is at www.greentourism.org.uk/going-green