REAL tourism (it’s an acronym for resource efficient and local) has been introduced by Envolve (the Bath UK – based NGO that introduced the “Bath Breakfast” a few years ago). Like the Bath Breakfast, “Real Tourism” has its aims set on benefiting the local community.
Real tourism is a programme designed specifically to help tourism businesses in the local area to operate more efficiently and more sustainably. It also provides opportunities to network and trade ideas with other businesses. Tourism businesses including accommodation, catering, travel, attraction or conference centres, can benefit by getting direct support at a fraction of the usual cost.
Envolve works closely with its clients over time starting with an on-site Baseline Review of how they use resources. From this, they suggest a prioritised set of actions that may be taken on issues like resource use reduction, waste minimisation, pollution prevention, habitat conservation, green transport, clean design etc. Envolve then assists in the application and tracks savings. Quarterly training seminars and workshops are then provided together with on-site support.
Envolve also provides a range of additional free and subsidised help & advice, working closely with other local and national tourism bodies and sustainability organisations.
Valere Tjolle
