Green Tourism Business Scheme
...recognising your business' green credentials...
Looking after the natural assets that attract customers to your business makes good business sense and the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) recognises this by helping you:
- Operate your business more efficiently, making year-on-year cost savings
- Gain an award that enhances your image & gives you a marketing advantage
- Identify actions that could increase customer comfort and satisfaction
- Improve staff satisfaction
The GTBS has grown from its origins in Scotland to become the largest tourism industry green accreditation scheme in Europe. GTBS businesses find visitors increasingly responsive and surveys show visitors are even prepared to pay a little extra where businesses can demonstrate their ethical responsibility and what they perceive to be higher quality.
To apply for the GTBS or for more information, head to green-business.co.uk
Benefits
Not only does the award recognise your business' green credentials, it also offers you some excellent marketing opportunities, including:
- Enhanced listings and promotion through www.visitsoutheastengland.com
- Promotion through www.green-business.co.uk, the national GTBS website
- Additional promotion via a variety of TSE channels
- A display plaque and logos to include in your own publications and websites
- Inclusion in national promotional activities such as case studies, GTBS newsletter, press editorials, stands at travel shows etc
How the scheme works
The scheme has been designed to accommodate the different types and settings of tourism businesses and the emphasis is on being rewarded for action. There are three levels to aim for - Bronze, Silver and Gold - and you will be assessed in the following areas:
- Energy
- Water
- Waste
- Support of the local economy
- Wildlife
- Involving & informing your customers
- Transport
- Management & marketing
The level you achieve will be based on a combined assessment of:
- The number of actions you have implemented
- The extent to which those actions have been effectively implemented
- The significance of those actions in contributing towards sustainability
To ensure that each business has a balanced approach, there are a minimum number of actions you will need to have completed in each of the areas.
Assessments
Assessment visits take place once every two years and they are by appointment only. The trained assessors, experienced in advising all sizes & types of tourism business, will not only assess you against the scheme's awards but will also be able to discuss your queries and help identify sources of help for realising missed opportunities. Dialogue really is central to the visits and the whole assessment procedure.
Feedback
Feedback from current GTBS award winners:
"It's a bold statement...it makes customers feel good about coming to visit us" - farm/ wildlife attraction
"I find it's something guests want to buy into, even if they're not green" - 3 bedroom farm B&B
"The assessment is certainly comprehensive...particularly helpful in identifying cost savings" - 130 pitch holiday park
"I found the assessor really interesting and inspirational" - 3 unit self-catering
In one English pilot, two thirds rated their overall experience of the scheme as "excellent", with close to 90% saying that they would "definitely recommend" it to other businesses.
To apply for the scheme or for more information please contact Paul Jeffries or visit the Green Tourism Business Scheme's website.