New Grant helps Local Tourism Businesses to go green

Leicester Shire Promotions is encouraging local tourism businesses to make a firm commitment to environmentally-friendly and sustainable practices by offering grant opportunities of up to £300 towards the cost of Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) applications.

The GTBS is the largest and most successful sustainability certification programme of its kind in the world and the only one that is validated by the country’s national tourism body, VisitBritain. Businesses that join the scheme are assessed by a qualified grading advisor against a rigorous set of criteria, covering a range of areas like energy and water efficiency, waste management and biodiversity. Those businesses that meet the required standard receive a Bronze, Silver, or Gold award based on their level of achievement.

As part of a strategic quality improvement programme, Leicester Shire Promotions, in partnership with East Midlands Tourism, is encouraging Leicester and Leicestershire accommodation providers and tourist attractions to participate in the scheme by offering grants of up to £300 towards the cost of participating. Only those businesses that have never been part of the GTBS or Green Start will be considered. To register your interest, contact Elizabeth Furniss, Quality Manager at Leicester Shire Promotions on (0116) 225 4011 or email elizabeth.furniss@l-p-l.com

Horseshoe Cottage Farm bed and breakfast in Cropston, Leicestershire, was accredited with a Silver GTBS award earlier this year. Linda Jee, owner, commented: “The scheme has enabled us to visibly demonstrate our commitment to protecting Leicestershire’s environment to the ever-growing market of green-conscious visitors. It’s not about introducing an intricate and complicated environmental strategy; it’s about adapting and enhancing simple measures that may already exist. It’s something that can really make a difference and ultimately saves you money.”

Martin Peters, Chief Executive of Leicester Shire Promotions, added: “The GTBS is a perfect and cost-effective way for local tourism businesses to show green-conscious consumers that they understand the importance of sustainability in tourism. It simply isn’t enough anymore for hotels to prop a card by the sink asking its customers to reuse towels. Today’s consumers want to see a real and genuine commitment to environmentally–friendly practices – something that the GTBS can help businesses to achieve.”

The scheme, which has graded over 1,900 tourism businesses since its launch in 1997, offers major opportunities for tourism businesses to achieve operating efficiencies and cost savings, differentiation and a marketing-edge over less sustainable competitors. Upon receiving accreditation, businesses are entitled to a free listing on the GTBS website where potential customers can search for ‘green’ businesses, a listing on ‘Enjoy England’ and VisitEngland website and enhanced listings and promotion through www.goleicestershire.com. As well as receiving an evaluation report with tailored advice and recommendations based on visits, tourism business also receive a plaque and certificate to display in their premises and access to comprehensive technical resources and regular newsletters from GTBS.

For more information about the GTBS please visit www.green-business.co.uk

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