The Tourism and Environment Forum became the Sustainable Tourism Unit in 2007.

The unit, based in Inverness, works to ensure the incorporation and promotion of sustainable tourism practices into all that VisitScotland does internally and in its activities with tourism businesses.

Research on visitor attitudes to Scotland show conclusively that the environment is Scotland's number one tourism asset.

Three out of the top five attributes associated with Scotland before a trip were environment focussed (scenery, nature and wildlife, wilderness).

The landscape/countryside/scenery was by far the most important factor which influenced the decision to visit Scotland.

The Forum's work is focused in four areas:

• Delivering market research
• Promoting environmental best practice
• Ensuring sustainable use of key resources
• Encouraging an integrated approach to tourism and environment opportunities

Current work includes wildlife tourism and environmental management for tourism businesses, as well as examining training and capacity issues.

Tourism and the Environment Forum Newsletter

Sustainable tourism news is now available via the eUpdate, which you can subscribe at the website

Greentourism.org.uk
General information can be found on the website Green Tourism in Scotland. Within the site, information can be found on:

Greening Your Business including market research, advice/helplines and tourism awards

The Green Tourism Business Scheme

Green News Stories from Across Scotland and the World

Case Studies and examples of green tourism businesses and projects

Further Information and Contact Details

Further Links

Scottish Natural Heritage

Historic Scotland