Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable Tourism : It’s good for business

First actions for all tourism businesses

Sustainability is important for all tourism businesses, rural and urban. The time to act is now for the benefit of your business. There is clear evidence to show that businesses which reduce their environmental impacts “are more sustainable, profitable, valuable and competitive”. (Environment Agency).  There are many low cost actions, outlined below, you can take to start; you will save money and improve your sustainability, it really is good for business.

Resource efficiency will bring increased profit for your tourism businesses - particularly in terms of reduced utility and water bills.  You could save:
 
• 75% saving on light bills by installing energy efficient light bulbs
• 20% flushed fresh water by placing a 1 litre water hippo in a standard toilet cistern
• 33% energy by keeping doors and windows closed when heating systems are being used
• 50% water use per guest through good housekeeping measures

For more low-cost, money-saving actions download Sustainable Tourism Business Actions

Environment Connect

Advice is also available from Environment Connect to improve your Energy and resource efficiency just visit the website and give them a call.  They will advise you on the best route for your business.  Environment Connect is the Northwest’s leading resource efficiency advice line with a dedicated support team.

For free help and support call Environment Connect on 0800 032 0222

Sustainability Case Studies

Tourism businesses are already benefiting from resource efficiency –
Take a look at some Northwest region and national case studies: key achievements, actions taken, costs/savings and business benefits.

Click here for UK Green Business Scheme Case Studies.
More Case Studies are available by contacting Lucy Morris at Visit Chester and Cheshire.

Accreditation: Green Tourism Business Scheme
Many businesses realise this is not a one off exercise and once they see the benefits want to do more.  They also want to get accreditation for their good practice and ongoing detailed advice on how to achieve constant improvements.  Many Northwest tourism businesses are part of this scheme, why not consider it, it will be good for your business.

Further steps in Sustainable Tourism

Resource efficiency is the first step to developing your sustainability potential others are working with other local business partners, local foods, local culture, local transport and local environment use and preservation: developing all of these aspects will be good for your business. It balances the long-term needs of your tourism business with the community, and its visitors in ways which not only have minimal impact on the environment but promote economic and social sustainability.  Discuss any ideas you have with insert Tourist Board name and possibly a contact name and details.

Sustainable Tourism Business Development
Sustainable tourism is in fact about even more than this.  You will develop a more profitable and efficient business by developing this wider view of the sustainability of your tourism business.  It is also about business planning, quality of your product, the skills of your staff, visitor experience, events, sense of place etc.  Sustainable Development principles and priorities are outlined in the development programmes of the region (link to tourism strategy). Name of Tourist Board and possibly a contact name and details can advise you on these aspects of developing your business.