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UK sustainable tourism honoured with green awards
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.
Further reading:
Global Sustainable Tourism Council seek stakeholder input
Green Globe launch new sustainable travel site
UN conference underscores the importance of sustainable tourism