Businesses opting to join Green Tourism are assessed by a qualified Grading Advisor and are scrutinised against a rigorous set of criteria, covering a broad spectrum of areas including energy and water efficiency, waste management, supporting the local community and more. Businesses receive a Bronze, Silver or Gold award based on their level of achievement and the standards that they deliver on inspection. The current network of members is comprised of a multitude of business types, including: accommodation providers, visitor attractions, corporate offices and more.
Noel Byrne, Chief Executive commented: “We are extremely proud to have been awarded a Silver by the GTBS. It’s provided us with a great sense of achievement as my staff have worked extremely hard in meeting these sets of criteria and ultimately this award goes to them.”
He added: “We made the decision to go green in August 2011 and not only have we now greatly reduced our carbon footprint but it’s also proved to be highly educational – albeit a little challenging at times!”
The GTBS is the national sustainable tourism certification scheme for the UK. Originally developed in partnership with Visit Scotland, it is now the only national scheme to be independently validated by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) on behalf of Visit England, Visit Wales and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and endorsed by Visit Scotland and Failte Ireland.
Visit www.bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk/sustainabletourism to view Bedford Lodge Hotel’s Environmental Policy and Customer Charter and visit www.green-business.co.uk for further information on the scheme.
For further information, please contact Natalie Bell, Marketing Coordinator on 01638 663175 or nbell@bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk.