‘Tourism that meets the needs of the present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunity for the future’ -World Tourism Organisation

Sustainable tourism is an increasingly important issue for the future of the tourism industry, and of course the planet. This page aims to provide guidance and information for local businesses to begin, or build upon sustainable tourism initiatives. 

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Save Energy

The lower your energy use, the lower your bills

·  A 20% saving in energy consumption can have the same impact as a 5 % increase in sales.

·  Measure your energy usage – record from the meter each month to monitor your success.

·  If buying any new appliances, always go for the most energy efficient model within budget

·  Try setting your thermostat at a lower level

·  Install double glazing and effective insulation

·  Use low energy light bulbs

·  Display notices to remind customers of energy and water saving issues

·  Only run dishwashers and washing machines when they have a full load

·  Only fill kettles with as much water is required at the time.

·  Collect rainwater in a butt and/or reuse greywater to water gardens

For more detailed help and information please visit the South East England tourism industry website.

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Reduce car use

·  Special offers for customers who arrive by public transport

·  Have up to date copies of local bus and train timetables

·  Offer to collect guests from the station

·  Offer bike hire facilities for guests to explore the area

·  Make yourself and your staff knowledgeable on local public transport enabling them to offer useful advice.

·  Encourage staff to get to work by public transport, perhaps offering incentives to do so.

·  Organise a car sharing scheme amongst your staff

·  Please visit the South East section of the Travelines website for comprehensive public transport advice.  

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Recycle

·  Reduce the amount of waste produced – e.g. do not provide individually wrapped soaps.

·  Provide clear recycling instructions for guests (e.g. provide a recycling bin for used leaflets and tickets)

·  Compost vegetable matter to use in gardens

·  More information on local recylcing facilities are available on the Royal Borough's website. 

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Buy Ethically

·  Source as much products and produce from local manufacturers as possible

·  Please visit www.sefgp.co.uk for more information or open our own directory of local food producers in the Royal Borough vicinity.

·  Alternatively visit South East Englands's tourism industry website for advice on sourcing local products. 

·  Buy products with the least amount of packaging

·  Try to use recycled paper where possible

·  Use paper bags instead of plastic bags in gift shops

·  Choose biodegradable and phosphate free detergents and cleaning products

·  Please visit the Considerate Hoteliers website  and download ‘Green Source’ document for a comprehensive guide to ethical purchasing.

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Communicate

The ethical market grew by 9 % last year (Visit Britain) – Green credentials can be a valuable marketing tool.

·  Advertise your sustainable tourism practices

·  Involve your customers, so that they may continue good practice at home

·  Highlight sustainable tourism messages in your publications. E.g. highlight public transport access or messages encouraging leaflets to be recycled.

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Get Accredited

·  ‘Green Start’ – Visit Britain’s pilot scheme provides a framework for businesses to improve their sustainability.

·  Please visit the Visit Britain website for more information concerning green campaigns and accreditation. 

·  Green Tourism Business Scheme – Businesses can be assessed and awarded a gold, silver or bronze award for sustainability with numerous promotional benefits.

For ideas and inspiration please visit:

• The Toursism South East website, where you will find case studies concerning sustainable tourism.
• The Green Business website, which provides advice and examples of how other tourism businesses have successfully improved their sustainability.

If you would like to contact us with any feedback on this page or for advice and help, please e-mail Julia.white@rbwm.gov.uk