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| Welcome to the Kent Farm Holiday Group |
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A number of our members have registered with the Green Tourism Business Scheme, who are the largest and most successful environmental accreditation body of tourism related businesses in Europe and have over 500 members in the UK, including, accommodation providers, visitor attractions, tour operators and conference facilities. |
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What is Green Tourism?
Green tourism is a term used to describe best environmental practice within the tourism sector. It covers issues such as business efficiency, environmental management, waste, transport, as well as topics like social responsibility and biodiversity. By agreeing to the GTBS code of conduct and through assessment of their activities the members have made a commitment towards reducing the impact of their business on the environment.
Accreditation
To gain a GTBS award, businesses are assessed once every two years by IEMA registered environmental auditors, who have considerable experience within the tourism sector. The businesses are graded against over 150 measures of best practice, reflecting a balance of environmental, economic and social issues. These cover everything from good management and communication to efficient lighting and heating, as well as things like nature conservation, local crafts and produce, renewable energy and community support and involvement. |
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Choosing a Green Destination
When choosing any holiday, one of the primary questions is, where to go? Therefore, the choice of destination will be a major factor influencing any decision. Such destinations may be towns, cities, villages, beaches, mountains or even whole countries. Tourism has an impact on any destination especially those that have a fragile or sensitive landscape. By committing to a responsible approach tourism businesses, their guests and all visitors to the area can reduce the impact of tourism and may even help to contribute to the conservation of the destination.
Green Tourism & Eco-tourism
Green Tourism differs from eco-tourism as Green Tourism businesses must make efforts to reduce their impact on the environment and may not use the environment or nature as a marketing tool. Ecotourism businesses use environment and nature as a marketing tool and may not be making efforts to reduce their impact on the environment.
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| As a consumer, ultimately it is you that makes the difference by choosing businesses that are committed to you and the environment, and we hope that in choosing a Green Tourism Business Scheme Member you will pass on your experience to others and encourage them to do likewise. |
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