GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE TOURISM CERTIFICATION INDUSTRY HOTS UP
Up until now certification for green tourism has been a largely localised “Cottage Industry†but major developments are now set to dramatically change the marketplace.
Given the changes in organic and fair trade labelling in the consumer marketplace and the consequent dramatic growth in believability and sales, it seems a “No Brainer†for a transfer to the sustainable tourism industry.
But, given a vast number of global certification schemes and little incentive to choose one or the other, the concept hasn’t really taken off.
Now three major developments have signalled a real sea change in the market.
First, VisitBritain’s and VisitScotland’s have announced that they will require a form of green certification for all their promoted tourism enterprises by 2010.
Second, VisitBritain have appointed ICRT – the International Centre for Responsible Tourism, based at Leeds Metropolitan University- to vet sustainable tourism certifiers. ICRT will endorse schemes they find acceptable and believeable. The first scheme endorsed – the Green Tourism Business Scheme.
Green Tourism Business Scheme, now providing certification for both VisitScotland and VisitBritain, has global aspirations.
Thirdly, Green Globe, the global green brand established by WTTC and relatively dormant for the last few years, has shaken itself back into formidable action with a series of global deals with destinations and hotels.
The future for the literally hundreds of certification schemes including the EU Flower, VISIT, Blue Flag, Green Key and Sustainable Tourism International’s STEP programme is far from clear.
VISION/TOTEM Sustainable Tourism Report 2008 has a full section on certification. Now published at UK£100, US$200, Euro140
For further information, and to purchase your copy contact [email protected]
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