Business Scheme

Introduction

The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) is an environmental accreditation scheme for Scottish tourism businesses. It was launched in 1998 by Quality Assurance at VisitScotland (formerly the Scottish Tourist Board). The scheme helps tourism businesses save money by improving their environmental performance and helps protect Scotland's key asset: the environment.

Tourism businesses in the scheme have instigated environmental management techniques, reduced costs, (early studies showed that savings amounted to almost 30% of the energy bill) , and enhanced their image and marketing.

The environment has benefited through waste management, lower consumption of power and water, increased recycling and cleaner, safer and better landscaped sites.

Most, if not all, of the public sector organisations with responsibility for tourism in Scotland have recognised the need to pursue a more sustainable path. The Green Tourism Business Scheme provides a tangible and measurable response for individual businesses to this strategic direction.

One of the first businesses to receive the GTBS gold award, Alistair and Isabel Little of Culdearn House pictured receiving their Green Tourism Business Scheme Gold Award from Lord MacDonald - Scottish Industry Minister.

For More Information:

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