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 Would you like to improve your environmental performance, make substantial cost savings and prove your green credentials to potential visitors?
Green Tourism for London, launched by the London Development Agency and with the support of Visit London, is the new scheme for hotels, guesthouses, attractions and venues in the capital.
It has three main aims: to help you improve your resource and energy management, to help you cut costs and, by giving a Bronze, Silver or Gold award, to help visitors assess the true green credentials of your business before booking.
The awards, which are only made after a visit from an independent assessor, recognise traditional energy and resource management, as well as businesses that actively promote public transport, local cultural activities and London's open spaces.
For the first two years the LDA is offering a subsidised rate to the first 150 businesses to join. If you are eligible, you pay only 50% of the normal annual fee in each of the first two years, and the LDA will subsidise the rest, including the full cost of your first year's joining fee, which is normally £60. The costs range from £50 for a B&B to £250 for a large attraction or conference venue.
Please note that all hotels and guesthouses entering the scheme must be graded in either the VisitBritain or AA national schemes. The LDA is offering subsidies to accommodation wishing to become graded.
Find out more at www.lda.gov.uk/greentourism
Says James Bidwell, Chief Executive of Visit London, "Climate change is perhaps the most critical issue facing the planet today. London's leadership in tackling the issue needs to cross all sectors and tourism is no exception. Visit London, together with the LDA, is committed to minimising London's carbon footprint and today's initiative is one of several which we will be introducing over the coming months as part of our climate change action plan for tourism. The Green Tourism for London programme provides critical assistance to the capital's accommodation sector and ensures London continues to lead the way on initiatives to tackle climate change."
The scheme is being run for the LDA by Green Business UK and has been adapted from the successful national Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS).
If you are interested in joining the scheme you can:
- Find out more at www.lda.gov.uk/greentourism
- Request an application form by calling 0845 863 0770, emailing london@green-business.co.uk or downloading an application form from green-business.co.uk
- See our seven steps to becoming a member
If you would like any more information then please call Deborah Evans at the LDA on 020 7593 8163.
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