28-30 November

The organisation has launched a new website, www.visitbritain.com/green, which informs the tourism industry about relevant issues and practices and expects to grow to be a useful resource for those looking for guidance.

The website outlines VisitBritain’s strategy under four core themes: marketing, industry engagement, greening VisitBritain and supporting Government. A best practice resource, it offers tips for business owners and visitors, facts, and VisitBritain research and marketing advice. 

Putting its ‘money where its mouth is’, VisitBritain is one of the first public sector organisations to adopt Night Watchman software in the last year. Installed on all computers at VisitBritain’s London headquarters, the software detects levels of inactivity and automatically switches computers off to save energy. A dedicated member of staff is also responsible for project managing sustainable tourism practices being rolled out within the organisation and leading its Green Working Group.

VisitBritain is also currently consulting on proposals to integrate criteria with the national quality assessment standards to recognise businesses’ commitment to sustainable practices. It will mean that VisitBritain’s commitment to raising the quality of the destination as it heads towards the Olympic Games also drives a significant increase in the adoption of sustainable tourism principles by accommodation providers and attractions. As many schemes already exist to recognise and reward commitment to sustainable practices, VisitBritain’s proposals would also recognise well-established schemes and operators with exceptional ‘green’ qualities and give them full marketing benefits.

The final plans are expected to be launched in March 2008.