UKinbound has been awarded Green Tourism’s silver accreditation in recognition of its sustainability practices.
The certification programme recognises the commitment of tourism businesses which are actively working to become more sustainable, handing out gold, silver or bronze awards and giving advice on sustainability.
A Green Tourism assessor analysed UKinbound’s performance as a sustainable tourism operation across 15 areas including communications, health and wellbeing, equality, travel, energy consumption and waste management.
UKinbound has introduced sustainability initiatives and green best practises in the past 12 months, including a commitment to utilising sustainable transport, promoting accessibility and inclusion, and implementing a green action plan.
A May survey found that two in three of the association’s members have put sustainability in their reopening/recovery/long-term business plans. It also suggested businesses have an appetite for sustainability content, including news, case studies, resources and advice.
As a result, UKinbound launched a Sustainable Tourism section on its website, accessible to members and the public, with links to news, resources and the association’s environmental commitments.
Chief executive Joss Croft said “We’re delighted to have received Green Tourism’s silver accreditation.
“Looking to the future and the recovery of our industry, we have an opportunity to build back better, which is why we are committed to championing sustainable tourism and ensuring that the UK’s world-class tourism offering can be enjoyed for generations to come.
“Over the last 12 months UKinbound has been working hard, developing new procedures, launching new resources and weaving sustainable practises into everyday activities. Working with Green Tourism has been key to this, and their support and advice has been incredibly valuable.
“We’re committed to supporting our members and helping them in their sustainability journey, but we need to lead by example. Our silver accreditation is just the first step.”
Andrea Nicholas, chief executive of Green Tourism, added: “We are very impressed with UKinbound’s approach to becoming a greener business, they have involved the whole organisation including their events team who are ensuring all of their meetings and events are as green as possible.
“The development of a Sustainable Tourism Resources section on their website shows they recognise how important this topic is to ensure a Green Recovery for the industry.”