Green Tourism Business Scheme - pilot project
We are currently working on this page - please contact
Glasu on 01982 552224 for further
information.
Good for business - Good for the planet
Good for business - Good for the planet
The aims of this project are to make tourism in Powys
more sustainable by helping businesses to achieve:
- Cost savings through identifying green measures, such as reducing waste and improving efficiency;
- Differentiation and a marketing edge over less sustainable competitors;
- Enhanced exposure in the rapidly growing eco-tourism market, increasing the number of visitors who stay and the amount of money they spend;
- Improved sustainability.
A green opportunity for
business
This scheme offers funded opportunities across Powys for
accommodation providers, venues and other tourism enterprises
to:
- Gain green certification or grading;
- Be involved in a local sustainable tourism business support network ;
- Access a regional green tourism promotional and marketing package.
The Green Tourism Business scheme pilot
project
Green certification or grading of tourism
businesses, through the Green Tourism Business
Scheme (GTBS) is the foundation for this project.
This opportunity is a pilot-project, running until January 2011 and
is available to a limited number of businesses. Businesses joining
are offered:
- Joining GTBS for free (normally £64.62). Please note:other GTBS annual fees apply. Fees vary depending on scale and type of business. Full details are available on the GTBS website;
- Free advisory visit (up to half a day) by a local green tourism advisor. The aim of this is to offer general advice on greening your business, but also specifically to help you prepare for the grading audit from GTBS, to ensure you get the best result for your business;
- Free ongoing phone/e-mail support Glasu advisor (up
to half a day).
Once graded, businesses can access additional project
resources to support them with:
- Technical advice and networking. Events undertaken to date include “Green tourism marketing” and “A gentle introduction to renewables”, both led by specialist advisors in these fields. Suggestions for relevant topics for future events are welcomed;
- Promotion and marketing:
- In addition to a listing on the Glasu and GTBS websites, members will also be listed on Greenholidaysinwales, a website developed for members of this pilot project. Associated e-marketing may also be undertaken.
- Members will also be included in any other promotional activities undertaken by the project. In the past this has included leaflets for circulation at events and venues, press releases, adverts in specialist and regional tourism publications.
There are a number of green certification schemes
available to business in Wales, including the examples
below.
GTBS was chosen for a variety of reasons, not least
because it is currently the only green certification scheme
approved and accredited by VisitBritain, through the
International Centre for
ResponsibleTourism at Leeds Metrpolitan
University.
This GTBS pilot project was launched in September 2009,
in concert with Brecon Beacons National Park’s own green
tourism initiative, Stay
Somewhere Green , also based on the GTBS standard.
Businesses interested in participating in the scheme are
welcome to contact Glasu on 01982 552224.