sustainability in the tourism industry

Tourism is a major industry in the North West of England, which welcomes an estimated 18 million guests each year. According to Northwest Development Agency estimates, these visitors spend around £7 billion on accommodation, catering and entertainments each year - a contribution to the regional economy that helps support almost a quarter of a million jobs.

Such a large volume of activities makes is vital that tourism businesses recognise the need to adopt environmentally sustainable practices wherever possible. Every saving, however trivial it may seem, helps to conserve natural resources and, as increasing numbers of organisations commit to schemes like the Green Tourism Awards, the cumulative effect becomes ever more significant.

Simple measures, like replacing conventional light bulbs with low energy alternatives, can save substantial amounts of energy, even at the micro-business level. Scale this saving up by several thousand hotels and businesses, and it’s easy to see how it can mean a very considerable reduction in the total volume of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere.

Quite apart from their important effect on the environment, energy and waste-saving measures can also save you a considerable amount of money. Below are just a few examples of simple, low cost actions that can help to save energy and reduce waste.

1. Fit thermostatic radiator valves.
2. Fit energy efficient light bulbs in place of conventional ones.
3. Instal loft insulation and draught excluders.
4. Avoid leaving televisions in stand-by mode; they still consume a large amount of electricity.
5. Use spray heads on taps and showers to save water.
6. Save 'grey' waste water for use in the garden.
7. Recycle waste; this will help reduce your general waste charges.
8. Monitor your meter/bills regularly to check for faults, leaks and unnecessary waste.

Please look through our Hints & Tips section for more information.

If you have a business and you’d like to conduct your own environmental self-assessment, why not look at our Green Tourism check list and see if you are doing everything possible to save money and waste?