“If you are part of the hospitality industry, don’t bury your head in the sand – being green should be part of your mainstream activities – not a token gesture.  You will be amazed not only by the financial benefits but also by the human return of more engaged staff and customers who will want to return.  I am one of them.”

Penny Poyzer, Writer, and Presenter of BBC2’s “No Waste Like Home” .

The concept of Green Tourism was developed to offset the impact that holiday and recreational visitors can have on the environment and local communities in popular holiday destinations. It also supports the need for tourism to be a sustainable activity.

Going Green makes good business sense and brings many advantages to your business, your visitors, the local community and the environment:

• 83% think an environmentally aware business is more likely to be a quality conscious one

• 82% are willing to pay a little extra to stay with an accommodation provider who is committed to good environmental practices and the purchasing of local products.

• 72% indicate that an advert for a business with a green tourism award would influence their decision to stay, visit or use that tourism product or service.

• Nearly 70% think Devon is more of an environmentally friendly destination than others in the UK

Source: Discover Devon Naturally Green Paper 2005