Post on 30-Oct-2014
description
GREEN TOURISM
BUSINESS SCHEME
Andrea Nicholas
Director Green Business UK LtdManager Green Tourism Business Scheme
What is Sustainable Tourism?What is Sustainable Tourism?
one planet living
United States - 5
UK - 3
Fair Share – 1
www.wwf.org.uk
Environmental & Social Issues
Climate change• Sea level rise / melting ice caps• Reversal of gulf stream• Affects on nature / biodiversity• Weather patterns – Drought, Flooding, erratic
Population pressures (7 Billion pop – 31st Oct 2011)
• Resource use / peak oil / fuel costs• Food scarcity / fuel crops• Poverty • War
Cairngorm Ski Resort
Case Study Scotland
Summer activities
Bird watching
Exhibitions
Guided Walks
Shopping
Restaurant
Ceilidh Nights
Children’s activities
Camera Obscura
Mountain Experience
Two Websites
Summer & Winter
Government Policy
Climate Change Act
Reduction of emissions(Compared to 1990 baseline)
• 34% by 2020• 80% by 2050 Taxation / Legislation
• Landfill Tax• Food waste / organic• WEEE• CRC
The Key Challenges are:
• To reduce the environmental and social impact of tourism
• In a way that encourages and engages – not negative and guilt-ridden
• To help businesses and their visitors help the planet (and feel good)
Lao Spirit Eco ResortLaos
• Creating jobs keeps the people away from cutting trees (deforestation)
• Protects the old lao-french colonial houses
• Bungalows built in traditional style by local craftsmen and artists
• Maintain a good relationship with the nearby village of Xieng Lom.
Treasure Island ResortFiji
• Team responsible for implementation of environmental and social sustainable measures
• Products and services sourced locally wherever possible
• Employ local Fijian staff in most areas of the company
• Ongoing wildlife projects with visitors and communities
GrecotelGreece
• Over 4,000 employees makes Grecotel the largest employer in Greek tourism sector
• Co-operates with local farmers on Crete to ensure a supply of locally and ecologically produced food
• Opened the Agricultural Park 2001 to public visitors – trains local farmers and promotes local agricultural products
Serena HotelsAfrica / Asia
• All construction used local materials & labour; building designed to blend with its natural settings
• Guests invited to plant a tree at the Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge to aid reforestation
• Increases employment and manpower development
• Promotes awareness of the environment and improves appreciation of cultural traditions
What is the GTBS?
“Quality in the Environment”
“Tourism businesses working towards exceeding customer expectations in a responsible manner”
What is the GTBS?
• Sustainable Tourism grading programme covering all types of tourism business – operating for 14 years
• Owned & developed by Directors - Jon Proctor & Andrea Nicholas
• Operated by private, not-for-profit company – Green Business not funded by Government / agencies – self-financed through membership fees
• Over 2400 current members, over 7000 grading visits & criteria in 4th edition
• Only green certification programme operating throughout all UK & Ireland and promoted by UK and Irish National Tourism Agencies
• Validated by International Centre for Responsible Tourism since 2008 – reassessment December 2011
• Recognised internationally as one of leading labels in the world
• 1997
• 00 - 06 10+ English pilot projects – Devon, East England, North West, Broads, New Forest, North East, Cumbria
• 2007
• 2008 GTBS validated by International Centre for Responsible Tourism – VisitEngland
• 2007 3 yr project with LDA to Green London for the Games
• 2009Pilot Brecon Beacons / Powys - endorsed by VisitWales - Welsh Translation
• 2010 GTBS pilot in British Columbia – Canadian criteria
• 2011 - 15 Development of Sustainable Tourism & Quality product in West Sweden
• 2012 / 14Greening the Games – Olympics 2012
Commonwealth Games, Glasgow 2014
• 2010 Project in South Kerry – Rollout in Ireland
Assessment
• On-site assessment by appointment
• Advice and recommendations on the Signifcant Impacts of business, customers, staff, suppliers, community
• Identify cost savings / marketing opportunities
Assessors Training / Standards
• Environmental degree & registered auditors with IEMA
• 4 month training – ongoing mentoring + training 3x/yr
• Gain regional / destination specific knowledge
• 7 Full-time assessors to cover 1400+ visits / year
Scotland 840
South West 440
South East 167
North West 183
North East 119
West Midlands 77
East England 100
East Midlands 56
Yorkshire 112
London 149
Wales 90
Jersey 12
Northern Ireland 15
Ireland 72
Canada 25
Total 2472
Membership
• 563 Self-catering
• 279 Bed & Breakfast / Guest Houses
• 715 Hotels
• 383 Visitor Attractions / Museums (x 42) / Castles / Gardens
• 140 Tourist Information Centres / Corporate Offices
• 94 Activity Providers / Tour Operators / Ranches / Ski Lodge
• 55 Conference Centres / Events Venues
• 193 Holiday Parks / Camping / Hostels / Campus Accommodation
• 50 Restaurants / Pubs / Cafes / Inns / Motels / Caterers
Groups
Why Business Join
• 84% for marketing advantage* (10% higher occupancy)
• 80% have reduced running costs* (average 20%)
• 74% to improve quality of experience*
• 71% for satisfaction of guests and staff*
• 58% of visitors would choose a green graded business**
* VisitEngland GTBS members survey March 2009 (300 businesses)** VisitEngland Visitor survey 2010 (2000+ respondents)
www.greentraveller.co.uk
• 40,000 unique visitors a month • 3,000 followers on twitter
• Discount for GTBS members for listing and review
SUSTRANS• All GTBS sites listed on online maps
Green Searches
Expedia
• Online booking site• Green search for Hotels
Corporate Travel Booking Sites
Booking Services International – BSI
• Joining x 5 UK offices• Training with key account sales teams
Inntel
• Training with key account sales teams
YouTube: GreentourismGTBSTwitter : The_GTBSFaceBook : Green Tourism
Green Searches for GTBS on websites
• Visit Britain’s UK & 40+ foreign language sites
• Visit Scotland, Visit England, Visit Wales, NITB and Failte Ireland
• UK Destination Management Organisations e.g. Go Lakes, Broads, Cairngorms
• Booking Services International (BSI)
• Sabre Holdings sites including Travelocity
• Online Trip Planner & Mobile Device App - TripSketch
• Expedia
• Inntel
• ICE (Green Loyalty Card)
MARKETING / PROMOTIONMARKETING / PROMOTION
www.green-business.co.uk
Free Listing on website
25,000 individual sessions / month
Top listing on Google for Green Tourism
Members Area
Suppliers Offers
Newsletters
• Full environmental audit of business
• Bespoke advice on cost savings appropriate to business (on average 20%)
• Action plan, recommendations, advice and support on measures to implement
• Promotion and marketing through GTBS – PR & Press campaigns
• Membership of GTBS and all on-going benefits & support
• Monthly Technical Newsletter
• Members area with 60+ technical factsheets
• Technical advice / helpline / support
BENEFITSBENEFITS
• 20+ Suppliers Discounts – e.g.
Delphis eco chemicals 30% Nordic eco shower 30%Ecover 20% Gilchrist and Soames 15%Rapanui ethical clothing 10% NET LED lighting 10%
• Appointments for grading visit offered 6-7 wks notice
• Grading visit ~ Report within 4 weeks / GOLD committee
• Revisit once every 2 yrs – continual improvement
Membership ProcessMembership Process
• Contact GTBS for membership pack (no obligation or cost)gtbs@green-business.co.uk
• Complete and return application form
• Membership fee (£100 - £700 / year)
• Receive awaiting grading logo, members area & newsletters
MEMBERSHIP FEES
• Joining Fee (one-off) £70.80
• Annual Fees Free Entry to Museum - number of full-time employees Entry Fee – number of visitors / café / shop
•VA 1-5 FTE £108.36•VA 6-10 FTE £176.09
•VA < 20,000 no café / shop £122.42•VA 20-50,000 café / shop £270.90
Warwickshire Museums Project
Free Joining Fee (£70.80)
Available for any business joining before 31st March 2012
Description: Lead Mining Museum
Main Achievements
Water: Composting toilets
Energy: LED lights, condensing boiler, green energy tariff
Nature: Red squirrel protection, ecology backpacks
Cultural: Helping rural young people's access to cultural activities
Social: Free visits for underprivileged children, family wildlife events
Traditions: Crafts, music, artists, education on lives of miners
Description: 2-Room B&B
Main Achievements
Walkers & Cyclists Welcome
Transport: Public transport links on web and offer pick ups
Website: Environmental section on actions & GTBS promotion
Food: All local food breakfast
Wildlife: Strong focus on local and on-site
Champion: Green training sessions, working with local tourism association
Thistle Award Finalist
Description: Adventure Travel Company
Main Achievements
Nature: Education of guests, leave no trace
Travel: Guests use public transport
Energy: Good monitoring of fuel consumption
Champion: Green business network
Marketing: Green Tourism central to strategy
Won other awards e.g. Responsible Travel Award
Description: Youth Hostel on Isle of Arran
Main Achievements
Water: Rainwater harvesting to flush toilets
Energy: Ground source heat pump,
Nature: Sponsor Arran Wildlife Festival, good local knowledge
Cycling: Bike hire available, maps and drying room
Social: Promote Island produce, cheese, beers, crafts
Refurbishment: Energy measures installed allowed winter opening
Lochranza Youth Hostel
Description: Rural Self-catering
Main Achievements
Food: Local produce info on website
Water: Rainwater harvesting system
Energy: Solar water heating & low energy lighting
Tradition: Sensitive renovation, reuse of local / original materials
Guests info: Good interpretation for guests on green measures
Finalists in Environment Agency Water “Save” Awards 2009
Old Rectory BarnOld Rectory BarnBrecon Beacons National Park
Description: 19 Rooms B&B
Main Achievements
Local Food: Breakfast is local & organic
Community: Co-ordinate local food festival
Cleaning: Use soap nuts to wash sheets
Compost: Supply water in biodegradable corn starch bottles
Social: support local hospice
Central to marketing of business
Description: Holiday Park
Main Achievements
Water: Timers on showers
Energy: Motion sensors for lighting
Nature: Boxes and feeders, children’s wildlife quiz
Waste: Organic waste collected and composted
Social: High % of fair trade and ethical produce in shop
Local: Promote Cornish products, crafts, beers
Description: Nature Based Visitor Attraction
Main Achievements
Policy: Strong commitment to environment
Staff: Staff members aware and proactive
Waste: Recycling points
Crafts: Ethical & fair trade produced clothing
Wildlife: llama walks around site, interpretation boards
Cafe: Local food, natural, no ‘E’ numbers, don’t sell Coke / Pepsi
What our Members Say
“Through green awareness based upon the GTBS we have reduced our energy spend by £3 million per annum across 38 properties since 2007 ” Ramada Jarvis Hotels
“Operating costs across the business are much reduced since we began on our green journey and, in 2010 alone, we saved £18,000 on our heating bill Battlesteads Hotel, Northumberland
“Since 2007, over £260,000 of business has been secured as a result of our green credentials” Maximillion Events: Edinburgh
25% of bookings are guests coming specifically because we are a green business’ Banceithin Farm & Holiday Cottages, Wales
‘The highly detailed GTBS Audit gives us a comprehensive structure with which to measure and monitor our environmental performance, and that in turn helps us identify areas where we can reduce costs. GTBS Inspectors and staff are helpful, supportive and a useful source for advice and information’Carolyne Charrington, Treshnish & Haunn, Isle of Mull
“They encourage their clients to think ‘green’ and instil the green ethos in all new staff ” VistScotland was a customer of Maximillion Events
‘We enjoyed our stay at Haunn very much and found your commitment to the environment inspirational.’ D and T from Wales @ Tresnish & Haunn Cottages, Mull
“They re-connect their visitors between their place and products and the beautiful Brecks environment their visitors see around them ” Mr & Mrs Macrae @ Strattons Hotel, Norfolk
“There was no compromise to comfort – in fact the green aspects only enhanced our stay” Mrs Jenkins @ Alexander House, Perthshire
They believe in the application of green issues as adding value to the experiences enjoyed by their customers’ Mr Nicoll @ Battlesteads Hotel
Encouraging us to hang up our car keys for the whole weekend and use alternative transport in exchange for a discount on our accommodation fees was inspired’ Guests @ Cote How Guest House, Cumbria
What Their Guests say…
10 sections 100+ measures
CriteriaCriteria
CompulsoryInnovation
Eight Technical Sections
Minimum 3/4/5 in each section to achieve Bronze/Silver/Gold
Re-grading visit once every two years – continual improvement
Version IV Criteria
ScoringScoring
Version IV Criteria
Measures scored (~ 3, 4, 5 per technical section) 60
Points for each measures based on performance0 - 5
Maximum points = 100%300
BRONZE = 120 – 194 points>40%
SILVER = 195 – 239 points>65%
GOLD = 240 – 300 points>80%
1. Compulsory1. Compulsory
Legal compliance
Minimising risks
Annual consumption
Environmental Policy
2. Management2. Management
Green management / evidence fileGreen management / evidence file
Specialist Advice / Staff Awareness / Resource Monitoring
Monitoring Natural / Built Heritage
Visitor Feedback / green events☺
£
“understanding how we affect the environment is key to reducing our environmental impact ”
3. Communication3. Communication
Responsible visitors charterResponsible visitors charter
Environmental education / towel policy
Networking / GTBS promotion
Community projects / green lifestyle information☺£
4. Energy4. Energy
Low energy light bulbsLow energy light bulbs
A rated appliances / good seals on refrigeration
LED light bulbs / timers / sensors
Loft insulation / zone controls / high efficiency boiler
Tank and pipe lagging / temperature controls
Renewable energy
“Simple steps can save energy and money immediately”
£
Refrigeration & FreezingRefrigeration & Freezing
Maintenance is VITAL
• Defrost Regularly
• Check door seals
• Shut the door
• Install curtains in walk-in units
• Position appropriately
5. Water 5. Water
Low flush toiletsLow flush toilets
Waterless urinals
Aerator Taps / percussion taps / washroom controls
Water reuse / water butts
Fuel storage / eco-cleaners
£
“In the UK every person uses an average of 150 l of water per day. ”
Reducing Toilet FlushReducing Toilet Flush
10 toilets with 12 litre cistern flushed 4x per day for 365 days
12l Uses 175200l Costs £154
10l Used 146000l Costs £143
saves 29200l Saving £11 – Cost £0
(Dual Flush could save more <6l)
“Save-a-Flush”
“We can all influence others by choosing where we spend our money”
6. Purchasing6. Purchasing
Paper products in housekeepingPaper products in housekeeping
Regional / local food & drinks
Organic food / sustainable products / recycled paper
Fair Trade products / Rainforest Alliance
Slow food / local meat / fish / veg / fruit
☺£
Recycled Paper ProductsRecycled Paper Products
Recycled Plastic Recycled Plastic ProductsProducts
7. Waste7. Waste
Hazardous waste disposalHazardous waste disposal
Bulk buying / dispensers / dosing systems
Paper / bottles / cans / cardboard / plastic etc.
Printer cartridges / furniture / PCs to charity / schools
Composting
☺
8. Travel8. Travel
Marketing material has info on public transportMarketing material has info on public transport
Public transport promotion / car free days
Walking / Cycling information
Staff travel / use of alternative fuel cars
Health benefits for staff & guests / offsetting emissions☺
“Only 12 per cent of all journeys are made by public transport in comparison to 85 per cent made by cars, vans and taxis.”
9. Natural & Cultural Heritage9. Natural & Cultural Heritage
Wildlife or Cultural based organisation
Local and on-site flora & fauna / natural heritage
Cultural events / festivals
Wildlife area
☺
Thank YouAndrea Nicholas
01738 632162andrea@green-business.co.uk