Green Start for accommodation and attractions

VisitBritain has announced a new initiative to enable English accommodation providers and visitor attractions to take the first steps to "green" certification with minimal bureaucracy and cost.

Known as Green Start, this entry level programme is designed to help make accommodation businesses and visitor attractions more sustainable. There are numerous benefits to becoming a more sustainable business, not least of which is improving business efficiency and possibly making more money. There are marketing benefits too, as potential clients will be able to search the VisitBritain and EnjoyEngland websites for sustainable tourism offers.

Jason Freezer, VisitBritain’s sustainable tourism project manager, says: "VisitBritain is committed to encouraging sustainable businesses. However nearly two-thirds tell us they need more guidance on developing their business in that way. Green Start is an initial step in helping more of our tourism businesses improve their existing practices and signal to visitors that they recognise the increasing importance and value of sustainable good practice."

As part of a pilot scheme, VisitBritain will waive the £25 charge for the first 500 businesses to join Green Start.

For general information visit www.visitbritain.com/green and for more details on participating in the pilot, visit www.visitbritain.com/en/campaigns/green/green-start-pilot.aspx