Green Tourism is a Winner

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.

Green Tourism and the Mount Stewart

By 2020 the National Trust in Northern Ireland is aiming to reduce our overall energy demand by 20%, and to meet 50% of our energy requirements for heat and electricity from renewable sources, based on our 2009 consumption. This will be achieved by being more energy efficient in all of our buildings and operations.  

Green Tourism and Mathews Coaches

As a transport and Tour company Matthews are delighted to be involved in the Green Tourism programme. We already have a comprehensive programme of actions and awards which promote sustainable transport but look forward to further advice and help as to how we can use this to promote and be a Transport Ambassador for Green Tourism within our sector.

Green Tourism Programme

As a company of committed and passionate people we are very excited to be working in County Down which is such a beautiful and natural area.  The response to the workshops has been very positive with interest from a wide variety of types and sizes of businesses.  We have undertaken similar projects over the past few years in The Lake District, Beacon Beacons, Norfolk Broads and the South Downs.  However these were mostly focused on accommodation providers.  The uniqueness of this current Green Tourism Programme is the diversity of businesses that have got involved which really reflect the local food, drink, culture, history and character of the area.  In marketing this programme we believe that the area can truly promote itself as a Green Destination and offer visitors memorable and enhanced experiences which will bring them back again and again.

Andrea Nicholas
Manager Green Tourism Business Scheme
Director Green Business UK Ltd

Green tourism statistics

How important is being green to visitors? The following statistics tell their own story:

- Sustainable Tourism anticipated to grow by 25% globally in the next 5 years – worth £250 billion p.a. (World Tourism Organisation(2014)

- 79% of US travellers place importance on properties implementing eco-friendly practices (TripAdvisor 2013)

- More than 50% of UK travellers would choose accommodation with a Green Award (VisitEngland 2010)

- 86% of the travel trade said they consider sustainability to be important to their company(World Travel Market 2014)

- 36% of UK holidaymakers consider the environment and sustainability when making a decision about booking a holiday (World Travel Market 2014)

Workshop Testimonials

BTS the project managers and Green Tourism ran 6 introductory workshops in late January in Newry, Strangford, Newtownards, Ballynahinch, Castlewellan and Banbridge.

Green Hotels Confuse Consumers

Although there are many statistics claiming the consumer is interested, there is one fundamental issue – information is not standardized and making choices for green hotels is not easy for consumers.

Younger, Less Affluent Travellers Willing to Pay More for Sustainable Tourism

Although there has been a continuous increase in global tourism despite the economic recession (902 million international travelers in 2008 – a 4% increase over 2007), negative effects are also being identified by businesses and governments alike. One of the ways to counter detrimental effects is for tourists and locals to engage in sustainable tourism practices. The demand for sustainable tourism is difficult to assess, however, as most figures are anecdotal and reflect a willingness to participate rather than pay.

“Green” practices in British Columbia’s B&B industry

Numerous studies have examined environmental practices in hotels (Winter & Azimi, 2006; Johnson, 2008; Hanna, 2008; Gunter, 2008; Bohdanowicz, 2005), but very few have focussed specifically on the environmental practices of the B&B industry.  Bed and breakfasts (B&B) are defined as lodging establishments set in a residence that offer overnight accommodations and breakfast (Rushmore & Baum, 2001). B&Bs are, by definition, much smaller than typical lodging operations, which are usually full-service hotels; however, the B.C. Ministry of the Environment in 2007 found that residential and commercial buildings in B.C., which include B&Bs, produced 12% of total greenhouse gas emissions.