Wales and Worcestershire encourage greener tourism

Two bids by VisitWales for £17m of EU convergence funding have been successful. The money will support two projects, Sustainable Tourism and Coastal Tourism which will run for five years from July 2009.

The aim of the projects is to identify up to seven Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in sustainable and coastal tourism. The CoEs will focus on and link to activities such as walking, cycling, fishing, riding, watersports, adventure tourism, historic gardens or other attractions that use the natural and built environment.

The Coastal Tourism project includes a Green Sea programme which aims to maintain and improve the quality around the coast with projects such as improved access, toilets, information and interpretation.

Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones said, ‘The two projects which have been successful in securing EU Convergence funding will ensure that developments are sustainable and will make the most of Wales’ natural assets. For tourism to prosper it is essential we safeguard and enhance our unique assets, acknowledging the potential of the environment will always be a key priority in the development of tourism.’

Meanwhile, as part of a series of green tourism initiatives, Destination Worcestershire will provide a free pack of promotional cards to every hotel and bed and breakfast in the county with fewer than 20 bedrooms.

The cards, which are printed on recycled paper, suggest five simple steps visitors can take to be more responsible tourists. For example, guests are encouraged to be more economic with water when bathing and showering and to request clean towels only when fresh ones are really needed.

Other suggested steps include shopping for locally-produced goods, refusing to buy over-packaged items and taking advantage of the miles of footpaths and cycle paths the county has to offer, instead of driving everywhere.

Rod Nipper, manager of Destination Worcestershire, said, ‘The county has great potential as a green tourism destination, however sometimes climate change and sustainable development is seen as such a huge topic that it’s easy for people to lose sight of the fact that even the smallest gesture can make a difference long term.

‘That’s why Destination Worcestershire is keen to develop initiatives that are easy for visitors and tourism businesses to buy into.’

Destination Worcestershire has also organised two sustainable tourism conferences and is encouraging more local tourism businesses to take part in the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

Rod Nipper adds, ‘There’s still lots to do, but together we are taking positive steps towards a greener Worcestershire.’

Destination Worcestershire is working with Worcestershire County Council and Advantage West Midlands. It has also taken advice from the Cornish Sustainable Tourism Network, which implemented a similar initiative last year.

Tourism businesses in Worcester can find out more by calling 01905 728787 or emailing tourism@worcestershire.gov.uk.