Malvern Hills District Council is recognising the efforts of local tourism businesses in reducing their impact on the environment with its very own scheme.
The council is the first local authority to launch the Green Tourism Accreditation Scheme which offers Green Mark accreditation specifically for tourism and hospitality businesses operating across The Malverns.
The Green Mark promotes a commitment for adopting greener tourism business practices and tourism businesses will become part of a Visit The Malverns Sustainable Tourism Business Group.
Cllr Daniel Walton, Portfolio Holder for Tourism and Economic Development at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “This is a great opportunity for our outstanding tourism businesses to get involved, and play an important role in helping the area become a recognised green tourism destination.”
Victoria Carman, Visitor Economy Officer at Malvern Hills District Council said: “It’s fantastic news to see so many businesses interested in the Green Mark programme. The first businesses to be awarded the Green Mark showed great commitment in adopting greener practices and I know there will be many more to follow”.
Many local hospitality and Leisure businesses have already received the Green Mark Accreditation. Black Dog Adventures, a community interest company dedicated to getting people exercising in nature to improve their wellbeing, received the Green Mark for their carbon footprint reduction initiatives and their educational programme to encourage others to appreciate the outdoors and natural environment. Hazelhurst Holiday Barns in the Teme Valley received the commendation for their green business plan which includes a commitment to use eco friendly cleaning products and carry out wildlife inspections of their property. Similarly Rowley Farm Holidays, were awarded the Green Mark for their green business plan which includes measures such as the installation of a biomass boiler.
Hotel and restaurant The Cottage in the Wood received the award for their eco friendly efforts such as undertaking refurbishments designed to save energy, sourcing food and drink locally, installing energy saving lightbulbs and more. Lastly farm shop, café and creative community The Fold in Bransford proved their green commitment by planting bee-friendly flowers, sourcing food and drink locally and carbon off-setting amongst other measures.
Businesses are encouraged to take the Sustainable Tourism Quiz, to help measure where they are in relation to adopting greener business practices and to find out whether they are eligible for a Visit The Malverns Green Mark.
Visit www.visitthemalverns.org/sustainability for more information.
Pictured, Green Mark The Fold: Victoria Carman, Visitor Economy Officer at Malvern Hills District Council, William Tooby from The Fold, and Cllr Daniel Walton, Portfolio Holder for Tourism and Economic Development at Malvern Hills District Council.
