The Isle of Wights sustainable tourism project Green Island has been long-listed in the 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards organised by online travel agent Responsible Travel in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine.
Green Island is one of 15 places to be long-listed in the Best Destination category. This specific award, won last year by Aspen, Colorado, recognises destinations that manage tourism for the long-term benefit of tourists, conservation and local people.
The Responsible Tourism Awards are the largest of their kind in the world and this year attracted over 1700 nominations. All nominations are made by members of the public.
Green Island was set-up as a partnership project back in 2003 to facilitate a more sustainable approach to the management and development of the Island’s tourism industry.
Much of Green Island’s work has been focused on the development of the Green Island Awards, a green certification scheme for tourism businesses, which currently has over 100 members. Alongside the awards scheme the project has rolled out numerous supporting initiatives and substantial levels of business support.
The recent relocation of Green Island within Isle of Wight Tourism has helped the project grow into to a significant part of the Island’s promotion because of the infrastructure support it can now receive.
Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for tourism, Cllr George Brown, said:
“Simply being nominated for such a prestigious award is a huge achievement.
“Much credit has to go to the businesses involved as without their commitment and support we couldn’t do what we do. The high uptake from local businesses is something that has really set us apart from other destinations.”
Green Island co-ordinator Steve Blamire:
“With the changes to the way we now run Green Island, the future looks brighter than ever. We are now well placed to build on the success already achieved which is good news for the Island and good news for the environment.”
The Awards will be presented on November 14th at the Excel World Travel Market event. For more information please see: Responsible Travel for further news, features and information please see Green Island Tourism
Island Pulse
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July 21, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Congratulations to Green Island Tourism
JennyÂ