One constant in tourism is the search by holidaymakers for green and sustainable destinations, attractions and places to stay. They’re also looking for environmentally sound practices amongst travel companies, resorts and accommodation providers. In a 2012 Trip advisor survey, 71% said they planned to make more eco-friendly choices in the next 12 months. And with one billion people traveling the world in a single year, many travellers are being driven by green considerations.
How can we translate the green ambitions of visitors into stronger visibility and competitive advantage for destination Strangford Lough and the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion? With an estimated 5,700 jobs dependent on tourism across the area, attracting more visitors here is important.
The Green Tourism project is the result. Winning support from Invest Northern Ireland and the EU Sustainable Competitiveness Programme, the project is supporting 120 local businesses to be assessed for green accreditation through the internationally acknowledged Green Tourism scheme. The good news is that we have these businesses lined up already.
Running parallel to the accreditation process is a green tourism marketing campaign for our destinations, creating a real sense of advantage and difference for us. Accredited businesses will be a major part of the campaign, running in late spring 2015.
So watch this space to see how the campaign develops.
Mark Mohan
Senior Tourism Initiatives Manager
Down District Council
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