The GTBS is the largest and most successful environmental accreditation body of tourism related businesses in Europe, and now has over 1000 members in the UK. The GTBS was established in 1997 and is a not-for profit organisation.
The GTBS is one of nine members of the European umbrella organisation VISIT - the Voluntary Initiative for Sustainability in Tourism. Visit was created within the frame of an EU funded LIFE project in tourism eco-labeling, as a collaboration between initiatives working towards achieving sustainability in tourism.
Tourism South East (TSE) introduced the GTBS to the South East through a number of pilot projects, including one in Kent which was launched in 2004. TSE continues to strongly support the scheme through promotional and marketing activities.
What does it do and how does it work?
The GTBS recognises and rewards environmental and social best practice amongst tourism providers. One of the most well received benefits has been the identification of potential cost savings obtained from conserving energy, reducing water usage, minimising waste and local purchasing.
To gain GTBS accreditation, businesses are assessed once every two years by registered environmental auditors, each of whom have considerable experience in tourism. Businesses are graded against up to 150 measures of best practice, ranging from energy conservation, water use, waste minimisation and nature conservation to purchasing, management, marketing, education, interpretation and community support. Implementing the measures that are relevant to your business can lead to the following awards:
BRONZE Good basic environmental practice
SILVER Very good environmental practice
GOLD Excellence in environmental practic
Membership provides continual support in the form of information and training on all areas of environmental and social responsibility.
How do I find out more?
For information on applying for membership of the GTBS, contact information can be obtained through the scheme's website: www.green-business.co.uk or contact Paul Jeffries at Tourism Southeast: pjeffries@tourismse.com.
GTBS in NEK
The GTBS in the Natural East Kent area was supported through free training courses and workshops held throughout October and November 2007. Attendance at these courses and workshops gave delegates all the information needed to continue down the route to full accreditation and develop a sustainable business.
For further inspiration, you may want to take a look at our current members in Kent. You will see the variety of businesses that have joined, from a range of accommodation providers to a pub, a visitor attraction, a tour operator and a gliding club:
Alkham Court
South Alkham, near Dover
Bed and Breakfast on a working farm
Awarded Gold
The Bowl Inn
Charing
Pub - freehouse
Awarded Bronze
Brenley Farm
Boughton, near Faversham
Bed & breakfast and bunk barn, on a working farm
Awarded Silver
Brogdale Horticultural Trust
Brogdale, Faversham
Home of the National Fruit Collection, and visitor attraction
Awarded Silver
Bulltown Farmhouse
West Brabourne, near Ashford
Bed and Breakfast on a working farm
Awarded Silver
Great Field Farm
Stelling Minnis, near Canterbury
Bed & breakfast
Awarded Silver
Iffin House
Canterbury
Hotel and conference facilities
Awarded Bronze
Kent Gliding Club
Challock, near Ashford
Gliding club
Awarded Silver
Leaveland Court
Leaveland, near Faversham
Bed and breakfast on a working farm
Awarded Silver
Monckton Cottages
Chilham
Self-catering cottages
Awarded Bronze
Palace Farm Hostel
Doddington, near Faversham
Hostel with family rooms on a working farm
Awarded Gold
Sandhurst Farm Forge
Newnham, near Faversham
Bed and breakfast, and a working forge
Awarded Silver
Surin Thai Restaurant
Ramsgate
Restaurant - Asian dining
Awaiting Grading
Walk Awhile
Selling, near Faversham
Tour operator selling walking holidays based on the Pilgrims Way
Awarded Silver
Member of www.responsibletravel.com
