News

UK sustainable tourism honoured with green awards

Published

13 years ago

May 29, 2012

Blue & Green Tomorrow

Eight of the UK’s most sustainable tourist destinations were presented with accolades at the Green Tourism Business Scheme Awards over the weekend – an annual event to recognise organisations and businesses that are leading the way in eco-tourism.

The ceremony, which took place in Edinburgh, awarded each winner with a Goldstar in recognition of their “innovation, cost savings and green ambassadorship” over the last year.

The eight winners were:

Best Activity Centre

Glenmore Lodge, Aviemore, Inverness-shire

Best B&B and Guest House

The Old Rectory, Boscastle, Cornwall

Best Holiday Park and Camping Site

Argyll Cabins, Arrochar, Argyll & Bute

Best Conference Centre

Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre, Glasgow (pictured)

Best Hostel and Bunkhouse

Deepdale Backpackers Hostel, Norfolk

Best Hotel

Lancaster London, London

Best Self-Catering Accommodation

Bluebell Croft, Strontian, Argyll

Best Visitor Attraction

Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick

Also recognised were Shepreth Wildlife Park in Hertfordshire, which went home with the People’s Choice Award, and Best Western Kings Manor Hotel in Edinburgh, which received a gong for being the first business to join the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) after its inception in 1997.

“The Awards are intended to honour the highest GTBS achievers of the last 12 months in terms of innovation, ambassadorship and cost savings”, said Andrea Nicholas, director of the GTBS.

“A total of 52 green tourism businesses were shortlisted for the final this year, out of more than 2,300 possible contenders.”

Selecting from a shortlist of 52, the ceremony celebrates the “best of the best”, according to Nicholas.

“Everyone is an exemplar in the promotion and practice of sustainability”, she added.

“Unfortunately, there can only be a handful of overall winners but I have been hugely impressed by the efforts made by all the finalists.

“They have demonstrated how it is possible to be environmentally conscious and successful and are prime examples of how going green makes good business sense.”

On Thursday, we at Blue & Green Tomorrow will be publishing May’s report – The Guide to Sustainable Tourism, which features interviews and insight with some of the leading names in the UK industry. Make sure you check back to our site then, where you will be able to download the Guide for free.