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Scotland aims to become world’s first carbon neutral destination
Scotland could become the world’s first carbon neutral tourism destination if a call for action by VisitScotland is answered by the nation’s tourism businesses.
The plan is laid out in the organisation’s Annual Review for 2005-6, launched today (8 December), which claims that 80 per cent of visitors to Scotland say the environment is what they like best about the country, but that with competition from countries like Canada, New Zealand and Ireland, which have a similar reputation, Scotland needs to go a step further.
Chair, Peter Lederer, said: “We can gain a competitive advantage on a global scale by marketing Scotland as the world’s first carbon neutral tourism destination. We already have some great examples of innovative environmental practice in Scottish tourism and I’d like to see every tourism business in Scotland contributing to this aim.
“Becoming a carbon neutral destination will help the bottom line. There are huge potential benefits, not just for the tourism industry, but for everyone living and working in Scotland. We need to make a step change and grab this unique opportunity for Scotland to lead the world.”
VisitScotland has already introduced various schemes to promote sustainable tourism in Scotland, including the Green Tourism Business Scheme and a Sustainable Tourism Unit. The organisation is also a funding partner for a study into the potential benefits of a voluntary carbon off-set scheme for Scotland.
Chief executive Philip Riddle said: “We are committed to growing tourism in Scotland, but this must be achieved in a way that does not damage our environment or communities.
“For a real difference to be made in this area, everyone involved in tourism must make an effort and consider their own impact on the environment.
“At VisitScotland we recognise that we have a lot of work to do in this area, but we are committed to playing our part. I would urge others involved in tourism in Scotland to do the same.”
Photograph: Loch Achtriochtan, Glen Coe www.britainonview.com
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