The Green Tourism Business Scheme of the United Kingdom

The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) accredits a range of different types of accommodation providers on their efforts to reduce their environmental impact. Each business is assessed every two years against rigorous criteria, covering areas like energy efficiency, waste minimization and recycling, use of local produce, and support of public transport.

The GTBS is the national sustainable tourism certification scheme for the UK. Originally developed in partnership with Visit Scotland, it is now the only certification scheme validated by Visit Britain, through the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT).

Businesses opting to join Green Tourism are assessed by a qualified grading advisor against a rigorous set of criteria, covering a range of areas, like energy and water efficiency, waste management, biodiversity and more. Those businesses that meet the required standard, receive a Bronze, Silver, or Gold award based on their level of achievement. The current network of members is comprised of a wide range of business types, including accommodation providers, visitor attractions, corporate offices and others. Presently, there are more than 340 designated hotels on the this with more to come.

The picture shown above reflects the wonderful staff of the K West Hotel & Spa in London - a GTBS accredited hotel.

Green Hotel Certifications:

• Types of Green Certifications & Categories

• Green Globe Certification Program

• The LEED Program

• GSTC Partnership

• The Audubon Green Leaf Eco-Rating Program

• Florida Green Lodging Program

• Green Key Eco-Rating Program

• Energy Star Program

Related Information:

• Preferred hotel brands & Their Green initiatives

• Search for environmentally-friendly hotels by region

• Hotel services

• Customer Care - Hotels

Types & Styles of hotels to choose from:

• Budget inns, hotels & motels

• Corporate / business hotels

• Chain / brand hotels

• Small / boutique hotels

• Design hotels

• Condo hotels (residences) & all suite hotels

• Vacation rentals & condominiums

• Luxury hotels & ultra-luxury hotels

• Traditional / historical hotels

• Contemporary hotels & Asia Contemporary Hotels

• Resorts

Specialty Hotels:

• Tented camp resorts

• Heritage Hotels

• Adults-only hotels & resorts

• Adult-oriented hotels & resorts

• Couples-only hotels & resorts

• Clothing-optional resorts

• Casino hotels & resorts

• All-inclusive hotels & resorts

• Spa hotels & resorts

• Vacation villas