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Internally
Taking direct action on issues at an organisational level detailed in our annual sustainability report. We want to continue to develop as climate-conscious organisation, recognising where we need to make improvements and can learn lessons from others. We also share our developing approach to Responsible Tourism on a global platform through our engagement with NTOs and other destinations.
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Marketing
Highlighting responsible tourism messaging across our channels, using our own marketing and work with industry partners to encourage visitors to stay longer, travel all year round and explore more of what our country has to offer.
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Events
Working with partners such as Resource Efficient Scotland to support Scotland’s events and festivals sector in the development and delivery of sustainable events. Responsible engagement is also a key objective of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020.
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Quality Assurance
Sustainability is embedded in our quality assurance grading criteria, including a minimum standard for businesses. We also run the Taste Our Best scheme which promotes local food provenance.
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RTIF
Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund: we administer this fund to projects that will improve the visitor and community experience by ensuring that facilities meet demand and don’t impact negatively on communities.
What is responsible tourism?
Responsible tourism focuses on sustainable growth that makes better places for people to live and visit in every corner of Scotland, enhancing the positive benefits of tourism for everyone.
There are three strands to a responsible tourism approach:
- Sustainability | Environmental, Cultural and Economic
- Environmental - looking after the assets that are so vital to Scotland's brand by seeking to address the impacts of climate change, and reducing harm to the natural and built environment.
- Cultural - protecting our cultural heritage; our attractions, events and activities that make Scotland unique.
- Economic – enabling good economic growth whilst ensuring progress is beneficial to everyone.
- Inclusion - ensuring Scotland is a place for everyone by prioritising accessibility and inclusivity, so no one faces barriers to visiting our country.
- Communities - connecting visitors and host communities meaningfully while working with local people to make sure they experience the benefits of tourism – economic, social and well-being.
Why is responsible tourism important?
Tourism is a force for positive change; it can sustain communities and the economy by creating jobs, tackling depopulation and improving the well-being of everyone who experiences it.
We have a duty of care to protect our assets for the future. We recognise the importance of protecting those assets, which are so vital to Scotland’s brand and make Scotland so unique. A responsible approach to tourism helps Scotland’s world-famous beauty and communities thrive, enabling good growth while minimising any negative impacts.
Our approach to Responsible Tourism
We aim to play a leading role in the development of Scotland as a globally recognised responsible destination. We are committed to protecting the natural assets which are vital to Scotland’s iconic identity through our marketing, advice, partnerships and the actions of our staff, including:
Responsible tourism and your business
Travellers are seeking transformational tourism, as identified in our Trends Paper 2020 - a movement among consumers who take trips to maximise their time, give something back to the destinations they visit and consciously off-set the impact of their travel.
Adopting a sustainable approach can increase efficiency and reduce running costs for businesses. Likewise, visitors benefit through better links with local communities, a high-quality tourism experience and a natural and built environment that is cared for.
There are some great examples of businesses already taking innovative steps to protect and enhance Scotland through responsible tourism initiatives that you can find on our case studies page.
Our Moment for Change webinar on Responsible Tourism also contains lots of information on making Scotland a responsible tourism destination.
Green Tourism and Green Key
Environmental accreditation programmes like Green Tourism and Green Key provide formalised long-term support for businesses.
Useful resources
Zero Waste Scotland
www.zerowastescotland.org.ukZero Waste Scotland works in resource efficiency to create a society where resources are valued and nothing is wasted. They inform policy as well as supplying individuals and businesses with resources and skills to embrace the environmental, economic, and social benefits of a circular economy.
Sustrans
www.sustrans.org.ukA charity that aims to make it easier for people to walk and cycle, that implement activity schemes and runs events, workshops and resources to educate people and businesses.
Keep Scotland Beautiful
www.keepscotlandbeautiful.orgKeep Scotland Beautiful provide education initiatives for children, young people and educators which focus on environmental issues to improve understanding and encourage positive action.
Nature Scot
www.nature.scotScotland’s nature agency works to improve Scotland’s natural environment by inspiring people to care more about it.
Climate Change Committee
www.theccc.org.ukProvide independent advice to government on building a low-carbon economy and preparing for climate change, including articles, research, insights and reports.
2050 Climate Group
www.2050.scotA volunteer-led charity leading social movement by empowering young people to take climate action. They provide young people with skills, knowledge, network and opportunities to tackle climate change.
Adaptation Scotland
www.adaptationscotland.org.ukAdaptation Scotland gives advice and support to help Scotland be prepared and resilient to the effects of climate change. They help public sector, businesses and communities to understand what climate change will mean across Scotland and identify the best way for them to plan for the impact
Energy Saving Scotland
https://energysavingtrust.org.ukIndependent and impartial advice to cut bills and reduce carbon emissions.
UNWTO
www.unwto.orgThe World Tourism Organisation is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. They promote tourism as a driver of economic growth and offers leadership and support to the sector
Euan’s Guide
www.euansguide.cominformation on how to add your venue to the review site and to access a full copy of their Coronavirus Survey Results
Purple
wearepurple.org.ukBusiness resources including link to a series of seven e-tutorials on customer service as well as a guide on economic and social recovery planning