Sustainable tourism certification for N Ireland

GTBS appointed to deliver sustainable tourism certification programme in County Antrim, Northern Ireland

The Green Tourism Business Scheme eco-label has been appointed to deliver a sustainable tourism certification programme for accommodation providers in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

The project will provide businesses with a step-by-step guide to improving environmental efficiency and maximising profit and ultimately allow them to demonstrate their environmental credentials to consumers through use of the GTBS logo.

More than 25% of the region’s hotels, bed and breakfasts, guesthouses and self-catering establishments have been invited to participate in the programme to date.

Audits and advisory seminars will take place in the first half of 2011, with toolkits issued to participants over the summer and grading assessments carried out in the autumn. Certification is due to be complete by the end of the year. 

Says Ruth Morgan, Policy and Environment Officer for the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, "Research shows that there is a growing market of consumers who are seeking out businesses that are environmentally aware. In fact, market share of ethical consumerism has increased almost threefold in the past ten years. Businesses that are able to display environmental awareness will be better placed to gain a market advantage in this consumer base.  As well as providing a market advantage, many businesses have found that taking action to address their environmental impact has brought them significant cost savings."

‘‘The Northern Ireland Tourist Board is delighted that tourist accommodation providers in the Antrim area Council area will have the opportunity to work with the Green Tourism Business Scheme as part of Antrim Borough Council’s Sustainable Tourism Programme."

Marie Henry, Antrim Borough Council’s Environment Officer, comments, "Antrim Borough Council is delighted that they were awarded funding from GROW South Antrim (Generating Rural Opportunities Within South Antrim) to initiate the Sustainable Tourism Programme for the Borough. We are equally delighted to have GTBS on board to deliver the programme to Accommodation Providers in the area."    

Comments Andrea Nicholas, managing director of the GTBS, "The GTBS is proud to have been selected to deliver its certification programme in Antrim based on qualities which include cost-effectiveness, extensive experience, reputation, scope and methodology and the ability to tailor measurement criteria to the particular needs of these providers."

Valere Tjolle
Valere Tjolle is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite 2011 latest special offer at: www.travelmole.com/stories/1146228.php