Green Tourism Business Scheme
in Kent
The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) is the largest and
most successful environmental accreditation body of tourism
related businesses in Europe, and now has over 1,500
members in the UK
The GTBS recognises and rewards
environmental and social best
practice among tourism providers.
One of the most well received
benefits has been the identification
of potential cost savings obtained
from conserving energy and water,
minimising waste and encouraging
local purchasing.
Green accreditation
ÔTourism South East (TSE) introduced
the GTBS to the South East through
a number of pilot projects, including
one in Kent launched by the Kent
Downs AONB Unit. TSE continues
to strongly support the scheme
and Visit Kent is supporting KentÕs
members in their marketing and
promotional activities.Ô
To gain GTBS accreditation,
businesses are assessed once
every two years by registered
environmental auditors, each of
whom have considerable experience
in tourism. Businesses are graded
against over 120 measures of
best practice, ranging from
energy conservation, water use,
waste minimisation and nature
conservation to purchasing,
marketing education, interpretation
and community support, resulting
in the following awards:
BRONZE
Good basic environmental practice
SILVER
Very good environmental practice
GOLD
Excellence in environmental practice
As well as providing a networking
forum and marketing opportunities,
the scheme enables businesses
to identify economic and other
benefits from improving
environmental and social awareness
and practice. Membership ensures
continual support in the form
of information and training on
all areas of environmental and
social responsibility.
Contact:
Kent Downs AONB Unit:
01303 815 170
www.kentdowns.org.uk
www.green-business.co.uk
The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Unit
The Kent Downs is one of 39 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales. The Kent Downs
AONB Unit supports businesses and services that continue and add to the vibrancy of communities Ð
particularly where they conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Kent Downs and contribute to
peopleÕs understanding and enjoyment of the AONB.
The Unit can provide a wide range of advice covering farm diversification, community and environmental
funding, managing traditional orchards and the development of sustainable tourism. This advice is available
to residents, local businesses, farmers and landowners, developers, architects, planners and designers.