Visit London urges tourism industry to go green
24 July 08
This image is available from the Visit London image library
Visit London has urged the capital’s hotels, guesthouses and venues to make substantial savings to their businesses by joining the Green Tourism for London scheme.
Speaking to tourism industry leaders at Kew Gardens on 23 July, Visit London Chief Executive James Bidwell said: “We all need to play a part in tacking climate and the tourism industry is no exception. Indeed, as the world’s number one city destination for international travel, London needs to take the lead on climate change to ensure our capital is sustained and sustainable for future generations.
“Working with the London Development Agency and our industry partners, Visit London is committed to minimising the capital’s carbon footprint. Cutting carbon emissions is an opportunity to create a stronger and better branded tourist sector – and saving energy saves money for all businesses.”
The Green Tourism for London scheme was launched by the LDA with the support of Visit London in October 2007. Aimed at hotels, guesthouses, attractions and event venues, it is the first independently audited green accreditation scheme for London's tourism businesses. Over 50 businesses have already joined the scheme, including The 02, The Royal Lancaster Hotel and Kew Gardens.
Visit London operates a ten-point framework to reduce London's visitor carbon footprint:
- Encouraging environmentally-friendly behaviour by visitors
- Promoting public transport, cycling and walking
- Promoting good practice amongst tourism businesses through partner work, awards and a green tourism business scheme
- Securing BS8555 accreditation for its own organisational performance
- Promoting and marketing London sustainably by working with key partners train operators and Eurostar
- Tackling emissions from aviation – promoting best practice by airlines and others, and supporting the Emissions trading scheme
- Encouraging visitors to the capital to offset their own travel
- Encouraging Londoners to enjoy their own city as an alternative to travelling abroad
- Promoting awareness of London’s green spaces and other outdoor attractions
- Commissioning research to identify opportunities to reduce CO2 emissions from London’s visitor economy
More information on the Green Tourism for London scheme can be found here
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