VISITORS to the Green Tourism stand 4839 at ScotHot 2013 (4th – 6th March) can get a special deal to sign up to the sustainable tourism accreditation programme at a heavily discounted price to mark the 40th anniversary of the show.
Green Tourism was launched 16 years ago and is now considered the biggest of its kind in the world, having helped nearly 10,000 businesses improve their commitment to sustainability.
Says a spokesperson: “Research by Leeds Metropolitan University into green hotels and B&Bs in the UK revealed they enjoy repeat custom from between 40 and 50 per cent of their visitors, a percentage far higher than that enjoyed by regular accommodation providers.
“A separate study carried out in the North East of England found hotels with independently verified green credentials enjoyed 19 per cent higher occupancy rates than non-accredited businesses.”
Says Andrea Nicholas, co-founder and director of Green Tourism: “Despite the current financial climate we are still receiving applications, ranging from multi-nationals to one-man bands, seeking advice on how to save on operating costs without scrimping on quality or levels of service.
”Our skilled assessors have never been busier, providing advice on everything from saving money by reducing food waste to lowering costs on energy consumption. Using fewer resources more efficiently and avoiding waste can not only save a lot of money but improve service quality for customers.”
To mark the 40th birthday of Scotland’s largest hospitality, tourism and catering show, Green Tourism is offering a £75 discount on the first year’s membership fees. Visitors to stand 4839 over the three days of the show will be able to join the programme for this special exhibition introductory offer.
Adds the spokesperson: “Green Tourism has become a world leader in highlighting the importance of protecting environments, respecting local cultures, supporting communities, conserving natural resources and minimising pollution.
“The programme criteria, developed by Andrea and her partner, Jon Proctor, has now been adopted across the UK and as far afield as Canada, Eire, Sweden and New Zealand as the benchmark for sustainable tourism practices.
“Green Tourism is the only national programme to be independently validated by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) on behalf of VisitEngland, VisitWales and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, and endorsed by VisitScotland and Failte Ireland.
“Members are evaluated on a range of 145 best practice measures, including use of energy efficient heating and lighting, nature conservation and community involvement, to achieve a bronze, silver or gold award.”
Adds Andrea: “We are delighted to be exhibiting at ScotHot this year at the start of Scottish Tourism Week. Scotland should be justly proud of its tourism, hospitality and catering industry. As the country prepares to welcome visitors from around the world in 2014 with the Commonwealth Games, Homecoming 2014 and the Ryder Cup we should all seize the opportunity not just to showcase not just our hospitality and scenery but also our commitment to sustainability.”
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For more information visit Green Tourism at stand 4839 at the SECC, Glasgow from 4th – 6th March 2013 or go to www.green-business.co.uk.
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Contact: Tracy Kilsby
Phone: 07710272936
Email: kilsbytracy@gmail.com
Website: http://www.green-business.co.uk
