Sustainable Savings: Green Tourism Business Scheme

LancashireLancashireGreen Green

TourismTourism

Hetty Byrne Hetty Byrne Forest of Bowland AONBForest of Bowland AONB

Holiday/Travel =

Travel to and from destination (plane/car/train….)+

Accommodation/infrastructure+

Travel at destination+

Activities(eg.eroded paths)

+Use of local resources

=Environmental impact

or ‘footprint’

Environmental Impact of Tourism

THE FUTURE OF TOURISM IS SUSTAINABILITY

One Planet Living - WWF

United States - 5

UK - 3

India - 0.4

Fair Share – 1

www.wwf.org.uk

Globally we now require 1.4 planets

One Planet Living - WWF

United States - 5 India - 0.4

www.wwf.org.uk

Do people travel to....

•Reduce their CO2 emissions

•Use less water

•Recycle

But individuals are now much more environmentally conscious and survey by Devon County Council, 2005 found:

• 54% consider environmental issues when booking

• 82% are willing to pay more for green services and products

• 72% think a green business is more likely to be more quality conscious

No, but they might if you ask nicely

3 year funded project3 year funded projectLancashire-wide, managed by AONB teamLancashire-wide, managed by AONB teamFunded by:Funded by:

- Lancashire & Blackpool Tourist Board- Lancashire & Blackpool Tourist Board- Lancashire County Developments Ltd- Lancashire County Developments Ltd- Lancashire County Council- Lancashire County Council- AONB- AONB

Endorsed by North West Development Endorsed by North West Development AgencyAgency

Lancashire Green Tourism

So what is Green Tourism?

• Running a business in a way that reduces its environmental impact, whilst maintaining quality standards and includes:

• Good environmental practice

• Communication with visitors

• Social and community issues

Examples….

What is being Green or Sustainble?

Green is MainstreamPromoting walking & cycling

Green is MainstreamPromoting wildlife

Green is MainstreamRenewables & Education

Green is MainstreamRecycling & Waste

Green is MainstreamLocal Produce

Green is Mainstream‘Green’ is mainstresm

Green is Mainstream‘Green’ is mainstresm

How Green is your How Green is your business?business?

Exercise:Exercise:

Work through the ‘How green is your Work through the ‘How green is your business form’ to look at what you’re business form’ to look at what you’re already doing and identify things that you already doing and identify things that you might like to implementmight like to implement

Green Tourism Green Tourism Business Business

SchemeScheme

Introduction to GTBS

TheThe

Certification & Branding

CertificationCertification

A regular independent assessment of a business’s environmental impact against set criteria = credibility

BrandingBranding

a universally recognised symbol in which the consumer can have confidence – GTBS aim

Scotland 852

South West 449

South East 121

North West 112

North East 99

West Midlands 57

East England 46

East Midlands 13

Yorkshire 17

London 52

Wales 6

Jersey 11

Total 1822

UK Membership

Groups

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Sustainable Tourism in the Forest of Bowland AONB

Members in Forest of Bowland AONB

Summary

5 Gold, 6 Silver, 7 Bronze = 18

8 Self-catering

4 Visitor Attraction, Restaurant, Gift shop

3 Camping/Caravan and activity sites

1 Cycle Hire and Holidays

1 Pub/Restaurant

1 Village Hall

Green Tourism Business Scheme March-November 2007

Summary

• 2007 GTBS Gold

• 2008/09 LBTB Highly Commended Sustainable Tourism Award

• 2008 Pendle Environmental Business Award

www.malkintowerfarm.co.uk/

Case Study – Malkin Tower

BenefitsBenefits

• Improved guest experienceImproved guest experience• Feelgood factor• Exceeding expectations

• Staff InvolvementStaff Involvement• Can help empower & encourage staff

• Using local products & ServicesUsing local products & Services• Supports local economy

• Networking with other GTBS MembersNetworking with other GTBS Members• Exchange of ideas• Mutual promotion

• Cost SavingsCost Savings• Good business sense• Marketing opportunities• Long-term sustainability

Added Value

Costs, Funding & Costs, Funding & Marketing Marketing

OpportunitiesOpportunities

The Criteria

Total:

Bronze - 30 measures to a good standard

Silver - 45 measures to a good standard

Gold – 60 measures to a good standard

• 10 Sections with over 150 measures in total• Minimum of 3, 4 or 5 Measures in each section (each section contains between 12 and 23 measures)• Each measure scored from 1 – 5 points (1 = very basic effort, 5 = outstanding• Minimum Score required (12, 16 & 20)

The Cost

Membership Fees

• Varies depending on size of business

•Includes an annual fee and a one-off joining fee

•Annual fee includes a re-grading visit once every two years

•Joining fee - £60

•Annual fee – varying between £75 up to £200

•Advisory visit - £250

Funding

Lancashire Green Tourism project will fund:

•Advisory visit @ £250

•50% of Annual Fee - either £37.50, £65 or £100

•Provide advice and guidance between advisory and grading visits

•Offer a comprehensive marketing package

Total Offer per business in excess of £1000

Lancashire Green Tourism Project Funding

Funding

To join the scheme you will pay:

• £60 Joining Fee

• ½ Annual Fee (£75, £130 or £200/2) = £37.50, £65 or £100

TOTAL COST PER BUSINESS - £97.50, £125 or £160

Then annually either £75, £130 or £200

Lancashire Green Tourism Project Funding

Marketing Offer

•Resource packs

•Marketing training

•One-to-one web support

•Linking to LBTB Country Escapes campaign – e-newsletters and special offers

•Dedicated pages on LBTB website, maximising LOIS record and Forest of Bowland website

•PR campaign

•Case studies

•Interactive web-based map and leaflet

Marketing Offer

Contact Details

Hetty Byrne

Sustainable Tourism Officer

Forest of Bowland AONB

Email: hetty.byrne@lancashire.gov.uk

Tel: 01200 426433

www.lancashiregreentourism.com