Leading tourism and environmental experts today (Tuesday) urged tourism businesses across Scotland to adopt environmentally friendly practices to secure the future success of the industry.

At ‘Scotland’s Green Tourism Scene’, a groundbreaking conference organised by the Tourism and Environment Forum, Frank McAveety, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport joined delegates at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre to underline the growing importance of green tourism to Scotland’s tourism industry.

Speaking at the event, Mr McAveety, said: "The need for tourism businesses to adopt sustainable business practice does not only apply to the niche markets of wildlife tourism or eco tourism.  Sustainability is an issue for all of us.  Scotland competes in an international tourism market place of around 180 different destinations and each would claim that it has something special to offer its visitors.  To succeed in that market place, we need to ensure that the attributes and qualities which differentiate Scotland as a tourism destination are not only well marketed, but preserved for the enjoyment of future generations of visitors."

Tom Brock, Chairman of the Tourism and Environment Forum, and Chief Executive of the Scottish Seabird Centre, said: "This conference is the largest of its kind ever organised for the Scottish tourism industry. We are greatly encouraged by the excellent turnout here today with tourism businesses from all over Scotland represented, from B&Bs in the Highlands & Islands to large city hotels, ski slopes and visitor centres. Individually we are all doing a good job but we could always do more. It is essential that everyone works together to ensure the impacts on the environment are minimal. There is a wealth of advice and support available and everybody has a role to play. Scotland has the potential to be one of Europe’s leading green tourism destinations."

Many businesses, through schemes such as VisitScotland’s Green Tourism Business Scheme and Hospitable Climates, are already tackling the environment challenge through sound environmental management and effective marketing, and these businesses are seen to be leading the way in green tourism in Scotland. Speakers at the conference called on more businesses to adopt these practices to help reduce costs, improve marketing, attract new business and satisfy customer demand.

Willie Macleod, Director of Industry Services at VisitScotland said that tourists worldwide were increasingly taking account of environmental issues when choosing their holiday destination. He continued, "If we are to position Scotland as a green tourism destination, we must work together to deliver that promise, otherwise we will fail to meet visitors’ expectations and we run the risk of being left behind by our competitors."

The conference also focused on new technologies and innovations in the fast moving green tourism sector, and encouraged delegates to share best practice and exchange innovative ideas.

Other speakers included Pia Heidenmark-Cook, Rezidor SAS; Ross Anderson, owner of East Lochhead Country House and environmental expert Gregor Pennie, Envirowise.

Event sponsors included Scottish Energy Efficiency Office, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Tourism and Environment Forum and VisitScotland.

Further Information about the conference,click here.