Green and Eco Tourism

What is 'Green Tourism'?

'Green Tourism' is tourism which works alongside the needs of the environment, local residents, businesses and visitors; today, tomorrow and forever.

It's an issue that is increasingly relevant to any modern enterprise, particularly in the respective worlds of travel and leisure.

A 'green business' is one that is actively seeking to reduce its negative impact upon its surrounding environment.

Five Top Tips for a Green Short Break

1.  A holiday in Lancashire can reduce your carbon footprint – emissions from holiday jets are a major source of greenhouse gases.

2.  Once here, you can leave the car behind with a huge range of outdoor activities such as walking, riding and cycling.

3.  Staying in one of our accredited green tourism B&Bs, inns or self-catering units helps to ensure you have a minimal impact on the local environment.

4.  Lancashire has an enviable reputation for the quality of its locally-produced food. Seeking out farmers' markets, village stores, pubs and cafes can cut food miles and maintain the rural economy.

5.  In rural Lancashire you can see the stars at night! Help us reduce energy use and CO2 emissions by switching off lights and standby buttons when you don’t need them. Help us reduce water consumption by using just what you need.

What is the Green Tourism Business Scheme?

The GTBS is the national sustainable tourism certification scheme for the UK. Originally developed in partnership with Visit Scotland, it is now the only certification scheme validated by Visit Britain, through the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT). “GTBS provides excellent value for money to a wide range of tourism firms with first class environmental advice and auditing. Satisfaction rates of certified firms are very high and drop out rates low, both for the smallest of tourism firms and increasingly at corporate level.” Xavier Font, ICRT.
Businesses opting to join Green Tourism 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, biodiversity and more. Those businesses that meet the required standard, receive a Bronze, Silver, or Gold award based on their level of achievement. The current network of members is comprised of a wide range of business types, including accommodation providers, visitor attractions, corporate offices and others. Click here to see a list of all Lancashire GTBS-accredited businesses.