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Thursday 23rd March 2006

GREEN TOURISM BUSINESS SCHEME SEMINAR

Destination Bristol, supported by envision, South West Tourism and Tourism Skills Network South West are to host a seminar advising tourism businesses on energy efficiency and green tourism issues. The event is taking place at the Arnolfini in Bristol on Tuesday 6th June 2006, among those attending are local attractions, restaurants and hotels within Bristol and surrounding areas.

The seminar will demonstrate how businesses can be more energy-efficient by adopting sustainable practices. Delegates will have the opportunity to learn about energy-saving and cost-saving techniques and to discover how they can promote the use of environmentally-friendly practices.

John Hallett, Managing Director of Destination Bristol said 'Evidence suggests that not only are these practices good for the environment but they are also good for business too - those tourism establishments that have already adapted a 'green' approach are certainly seeing the benefits by saving money, improving their image and drawing in more customers.'

Highlights of the seminar will include case studies from local tourism businesses, Bristol Zoo will share their experiences of adopting sustainable principles through their National Wildlife Conservation Park project and Bordeaux Quay, Bristol's exciting new restaurant development, will discuss details of their sustainable food systems, responsible energy consumption and zero waste objectives. An introduction to the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) will also take place and a business representative from Cornwall will discuss the practical benefits and opportunities the scheme provides. The Ramada Plaza Hotel will share their experience as they receive the results of their recent Green Tourism Business Scheme audit.

Neil Warren, Sustainable Tourism Manager for South West Tourism, reflects on the need for tourism businesses to adopt smarter working practices. 'With utility prices soaring and consumers having increased expectations of the impact of business operations on the environment, this is no longer a niche matter but an issue of relevance to every tourism business.'

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Notes to Editor

For more information please contact:

Kerrie Grist
Marketing Executive
Destination Bristol
Tel: 0117 946 2205
Email: kerrie.grist@destinationbristol.co.uk
Web: www.visitbristol.co.uk

1) Destination Bristol, formerly the Bristol Tourism and Conference Bureau is a not for profit partnership between Bristol City Council and Business West. Destination Bristol is the destination management partnership for Bristol and South Gloucestershire and leads the marketing of the area as a travel destination. The aim of the organisation is to work with members and partners, to increase business competitiveness, support employment and economic growth, and raise the profile of the Bristol city-region as a European-class travel destination.
2) Members of the press are welcome to attend this seminar, however we ask that you confirm your attendance prior to the event by contacting Vicky Weir at Destination Bristol on 0117 9462203
3) Interviews and photography requests should be directed to Kerrie Grist, whose contact details are shown above.
4) Envision is a partnership of the South West's leading environmental advisors
5) The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) is a marketing and advisory tool for tourism businesses supporting the local area and the environment and is supported by South West of England Regional Development Agency and South West Tourism.
6) 84% of domestic tourists said they would choose an attraction or accommodation provider that was part of a green accreditation scheme over one that was not" English Tourism Council 2002