Carbon Emissions offset offered on UK holidays

With sustainability and green issues now much in the mainstream, and individuals conscious of the role they have to play in preserving the environment, leading South West self-catering holiday company Blue Chip Vacations has signed up with the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS), the leading sustainable tourism certification scheme in the UK, and is not only offsetting its own carbon emissions but offering holidaymakers the opportunity to offset the emissions from their Blue Chip Vacations stay too. As an online booking is made via the Blue Chip website, www.bluechipvacations.com, the state-of-the-art system calculates the cost to offset the carbon emissions generated by the holidaymakers’ journey to the property, offering them the opportunity to add the cost to their booking form. Monies raised are donated to the World Land Trust.

Blue Chip Vacations represents over 300 handpicked 4 & 5 star properties across the West Country. Each property has been chosen for its stunning location, amazing coastal or rural views or hi-spec interior. Properties are reviewed each year to ensure they meet the high standard set not only by Blue Chip Vacations, but also by Quality in Tourism.

Businesses opting to join the GTBS are assessed against a rigorous set of criteria covering areas such as energy and water efficiency, waste management and biodiversity. Following its work on office energy efficiency Blue Chip Vacations has been awarded the Silver GTBS award.

Managing Director, Liam Gavin comments, “The West Country continues to be one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations and this looks set to continue despite the volatile economy. So far this year our bookings are up an average of 50% on the same time in 2007 and so it is only right that we look to address the carbon emissions that this generates. I’m delighted we have achieved the silver award, but with the popularity of the West Country, as a holiday destination, we now really have to go for gold.”

One West Country destination that is particularly environmentally friendly are the Park Mill Farm cottages are situated in a riverside setting amidst 20 acres of fields, woods and parkland where visitors are free to roam. There are two rivers running through the estate and a private fishing lake with carp, brown trout and salmon fishing for guests. There are four cottages in all, each with natural slate flagstones throughout the ground floors while the Upper floors all have solid oak flooring. Doors and window frames are attractive solid timber, with many windows incorporating deep window seats and looking over fields and farmlands. Each property has a double connecting door into its neighbouring cottage so that they may be booked together for larger groups. Under floor heating and hot water is provided by a ‘ground source heat pump’, an eco friendly “green” system, whilst waste water is cleansed and disposed of through a special water treatment plant.

THE SMITHY, Chulmleigh, Devon - Sleeps 4
A two bedroom ground floor barn conversion finished to an exceptionally high standard, with a private terrace. Inside is a woodburning stove, whilst the property retains many of its original features such as original beamed, vaulted ceilings with galleried features creating a light, airy and spacious feeling.
Weeks of 14 & 21 June Were £646pw, NOW £517pw
Week of 28 June Was £727, NOW £582
Weeks of 5 & 12 July - £768pw

RIVERSIDE COTTAGE, Chulmleigh, Devon - Sleeps 6
Is a three bedroom barn conversion with a large brick build fireplace and woodburning stove. Again finished to an exceptionally high standard thoughout, this is a beautiful period barn conversion which provides a unique holiday home. The cottage is brand new this year and has a high quality, state-of-the-art kitchen and bathroom in keeping with the age of the property.
Weeks of 14 & 21 June Were £970pw, NOW £776pw
Week of 28 June Was £1,091, NOW £873
Weeks of 5 & 12 July - £1,152pw
Weeks of 19 & 26 July - £1,376pw

Contact Information

Simmon Whittam

PR Manager

BLue Chip Vacations

Contact via E-mail