Introduction to the Green Tourism Business Scheme

The GTBS is the leading green tourism certification scheme in the UK. Businesses opting to join are assessed by a qualified assessor against a rigorous set of criteria, covering energy and water efficiency, waste managment, biodiversity and more. If businesses meet the required standard, they are awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold based on their level of achievemnt. There ia a new award level, which has been introduced with this version of the criteria - Gold Star, which will be available for businesses that are achieving the very highesst standards. The current network of members is comprised of a wide range of business types, including accommodation providers, visitor attractions, corporate offices and others.

The GTBS has been running since 1997 and is the largest and most established scheme of its type in the world. Originally rolled out in partnership with VisitScotland, it is now recognised by UK national and regional government as a crucial part of its drive towards sustainability.

'The Scottish Executive has made GTBS membership a central part of its "Framework for Change" sustainable tourism strategy - with a target of 100% of VisitScotland Quality Graded business to be in the GTBS by 2015.'
Scottish Executive's Tourism Framework for Change - 2006

Main aims of the GTBS

• Encourage businesses to become more sustainable by improving their environmental, economic and social operation
• Give the consumer a clear green choice when choosing tourism services
• Help national and local government meet targets for sustainability