Awards ceremony to mark successful first year for Green Tourism for London

As the London Development Agency’s (LDA) Green Tourism for London programme marks its one year anniversary it is already making an impact on London’s carbon emissions. Top London businesses such as The O2, ZSL London Zoo, One Aldwych, Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, Claridges, Sheraton and the London Marriott and Ramada Hotels are among those to implement their own tailor-made green action plans.

Over 100 tourism businesses have joined or expressed interest in the scheme, which helps businesses improve their environmental performance and allows tourists to choose the greenest places to visit.

Tourism businesses that have already achieved their milestones will receive their gold, silver and bronze awards at an awards ceremony and reception at World Travel Market on 12 November as part of Responsible Tourism Day.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said:

’It is absolutely fantastic to see that some of London’s top tourist attractions are leading the way in going green, and helping the capital to meet a 60 per cent cut in carbon emissions by 2025 - well done to them.

’Becoming more energy efficient is a win-win for these businesses as it both saves money on bills and attracts a growing army of customers who are keen to spend money in places that are helping to protect our environment.’

Green Tourism for London provides one-to-one advice about how businesses can reduce their energy and water bills, deal with their waste, buy environmentally friendly products and support their local communities. Gold, silver and bronze awards are presented to those businesses that achieve their targets.

Businesses that follow this advice can achieve 20 -30% savings in energy bills and can reduce the amount going to landfill by up to 50% per year.

Deborah Evans, LDA senior tourism development officer, says

’In signing up to the Green Tourism for London scheme these hotels and attractions are not only doing their bit for the environment but are making huge savings in their energy and water costs. I encourage all tourism businesses across the capital to get assessed, earn their awards and help London to lead the way in tackling global climate change.’

The Green Tourism for London Reception and Awards will be at World Travel Market, Excel, on Wednesday November 12. All London tourism businesses are invited to attend. For more information see www.lda.gov.uk/greentourism.

Guest speakers are Ross Paton, GM Marriott Hotel Bexleyheath and winner of a silver Green Tourism for London award, Jonny Goldstone, Founder of Green Tomato Cars and Martine Ainsworth-Wells, Marketing Director, Visit London.

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For media enquiries please contact Robyn Griffith-Jones, LiveTourism on 020 8404 3293 or robyn@live-tourism.co.uk.
Notes to editors

The London Development Agency aims to improve the quality of life for all Londoners - working to create jobs, develop skills and promote economic growth.

The London Development Agency is responsible for tourism development in the capital and provides grant funding to Visit London for the marketing of London as a world-class city. With the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games just a few years away, the LDA is now placing special emphasis on improving the quality, accessibility and sustainability of London as a visitor destination. The visitor economy in London is valued at £15 billion a year.

Green Tourism for London is based on the national Green Tourism Business Scheme and has been adapted to meet the special circumstances of London. Independent auditors use 150 separate measures of sustainability, including use of energy and water, waste disposal, purchasing procedures and promotion of public transport, local cultural activities and London’s open spaces. Call Green Business UK on 0845 863 0770 or london@green-business.co.uk to request an application pack. For more information see www.lda.gov.uk/greentourism.

Green Tourism for London is one of a number of schemes being undertaken by the LDA to help meet the Mayor’s target of reducing London’s carbon emissions by 60% by 2025.

Green Tourism is sustainable tourism. It takes into account the needs of the environment, local residents, businesses and visitors, now and in the future. It is relevant to any tourism enterprise, large or small, rural or urban, whether focused on ecotourism, business tourism or any other tourism niche market. Green tourism businesses are those actively engaged in reducing the negative environmental and social impacts of their tourism operations.

Green Tourism for London Reception and Awards. To enter Excel you will need to register in advance as a delegate for World Travel Market. Registration is free on www.wtmlondon.com.

For any queries please see www.lda.gov.uk/greentourism or contact Deborah Evans deborahevans@lda.gov.uk, or 020 7593 8163.