As Scotland geared up to host the G8 Summit where climate change was high on the agenda, VisitScotland launched its new Green Guide promoting tourism businesses that have reduced their environmental impact.  The Green Guide is a free brochure profiling Scottish tourism businesses that have an environmental grading (Gold, Silver and Bronze) through VisitScotland's Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS).  The guide is aimed at travellers who are keen to make green holiday choices by choosing green accommodation and attractions.

Tourism Minister Patricia Ferguson officially launched the guide at Elcho Castle in Perth, which has been awarded a Gold grading for their commitment to operating in an environmentally responsible manner.  She commended Elcho Castle and other businesses listed in the Green Guide for their commitment to maintaining Scotland's most valuable assets at a time when climate change and other environmental issues are an international concern.  

Ms Ferguson said: "…I’m delighted that more Scottish tourism businesses are employing environmentally friendly practices. A huge majority of visitors highlight our scenery and environment as main reasons for coming to Scotland. This fantastic guide allows tourists to make informed choices about green accommodation and attractions.  I want Scotland to be seen by visitors from home and abroad as a country which cares about protecting and preserving our environmental heritage, for the benefit of future generations."

"The Executive has set a target for VisitScotland to increase the membership of Green Tourism Business Scheme by a third each year for the next three years."

CEO of VisitScotland Philip Riddle says when it was devised, the scheme was one of the first of its kind in the world and since then it has gone from strength to strength.

"The Green Scheme has been extremely successful and with the launch of this new guide visitors will be able to easily identify those businesses that have made a commitment and are working to conserve the environment of Scotland.  We know that a significant number of our visitors are environmentally aware and are looking in particular for 'green' accommodation and this is an easy and compact way for them to find out where to go," he said.

"VisitScotland wants to make as many tourism businesses as possible aware of the benefits of GTBS membership because the more businesses in the scheme the more we can minimise our impact on the environment and the more aware the consumer will be that they have a choice."

Andrea Nicholas, Business Manager of Green Business UK which operates the scheme on VisitScotland's behalf, says the Green Guide is a valuable resource for all travellers.

"We are very pleased that Green Guide is being launched, it is a showcase publication for the members and an essential for visitors to be able to choose their green holiday. As the GTBS is one of the largest Eco-labels in Europe we are delighted that VisitScotland is promoting the fact it is leading the way."

For more information or to request a copy of the guide:

• Green Tourism Business Scheme
• VisitScotland.com
• 0845 22 55 121
• info@visitscotland.com