Sustainability

From holiday parks to hotels, self catering units to campuses, guest accommodation to hostels, to small or large attractions, green businesses are increasingly being sought by consumers.

 

Why get involved?
• Sustainable tourism is nothing to do with me – FALSE!  An attractive environment is the main motivation for visitors to come and then return.
• It’s expensive – FALSE! – Many actions, in particular to do with saving energy and reducing waste, do save you money
• It means compromising guest comfort – FALSE! Many things like information on local walks and serving local food add value for your guests.
• It’s too complicated – FALSE! It doesn’t have to be and there’s lots of help out there.

 

Shades of Green

Are you interested in joining the green business revolution but unsure where to start?

 

Climate change, energy saving, waste reduction – sustainable issues are high profile and likely to stay that way. Business benefits can include cost savings and an increased PR profile after taking simple actions. There are promotional advantages too thanks to growing consumer awareness. So where do you start when the subject is enormous and the terms used often confusing?

 

Lincolnshire Tourism now has Shades of Green to provide simple and easy support no matter what your existing level of interest or understanding might be. Shades of Green will support tourism businesses on their green journey; from taking a first step through to accreditation by the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS).

 

We’ve published some top tips, sources of business advice and available grants on our industry website. For more go to Shades of Green Grants, Shades of Green Top Tips and Shades of Green Sources of Support.

 

We’re working with Visit England on the new Green Start programme. Launching in the autumn, Green Start provides an informed network of ideas, case studies and expertise for interested tourism businesses to access.

 

Watch out for specialist workshops and in February and March to find out how others use their green credentials to encourage bookings and make substantial savings in their energy, waste and water costs. Details will be on this page so keep checking for details.

 

If you want to know more, talk directly with an expert about your own business or join the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS): email shadesofgreen@live-tourism.co.uk

 

It’s not about doing business differently, it’s about doing business even better!

 

Recent research shows that 11% of consumers  say they would look for an attraction or accommodation that is part of a green accreditation scheme.  67% said  a ‘green accredited’ business would positively influence their choice when making a decision on where to stay or visit.