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14/07/2010
Research Summaries
Watching Wildlife Visitors
Wildlife Tourism is growing. The authentic, unspoiled wildlife experience in Scotland has always been a powerful draw for visitors. Now, thanks to the influence of new wildlife television shows like the BBC’s Springwatch, increasing environmental awareness and the new staycationing trend, the number of people coming to Scotland primarily to view and enjoy wildlife continues to rise.
This is great news for Scottish wildlife tourism businesses – yet they should avoid becoming complacent. The increasing numbers of visitors will only be sustained over time if businesses understand their market and continue to re-invent themselves and develop new products.
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28/03/2010
Case Studies
Islay Birding
As a wildlife attraction on a popular Hebridean island, Islay Birding aims to be a sustainable option for tourists looking to discover Scotland’s natural world.
The business follows the “three R’s” principle of recycling, re-using and reducing, but has also pledged to promote the use of renewable energy and environmental responsibility in its activities. The firm has already reduced its energy consumption by using eco-bulbs, using local energy sources, having heavily insulated accommodation and performing all of its business in daylight hours – and has pledged to source all of its equipment from local companies, which supports the nearby economy.
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28/03/2010
Case Studies
Cream O'Galloway Dairy
Since 1999, the Cream O’Galloway Dairy has been one of the leading examples of sustainability in Dumfries & Galloway.
Scaling back its operation to a become a chemical-free, organic dairy farm, the business stopped using an annual 170 tonnes of nitrate fertiliser in order to sell all of its milk, beef and lamb as organic produce. It currently adheres to strict guidelines set by the Soil Association to ensure that the farm remains chemical-free and keeps up to high organic standards.
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28/03/2010
Factsheets
How to Become a Sustainable Tourism Business
Scotland offers breath-taking and unspoiled scenery, abundant wildlife and a rich diverse culture, which we know are amongst the top highlights for visitors. Sustainability should therefore be on the agenda of all tourism operators.
There are basic levels of good environmental practice such as: using energy efficient; lighting; switching equipment off and not just on standby; and implementing a ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ policy. However the 5 easy steps outlined in this guide will give you even more of a marketing advantage and, at the same time, save you money, setting you on the road to becoming a more environmentally-friendly business.
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28/03/2010
Factsheets
Responsible Visitors Guide
The Responsible Visitors Guide outlines some simple steps that visitors can take to play their own part in conserving Scotlands natural envronment, wildlife and cultural heritage.
The guide includes practical suggestions on how they can lend support to local businesses who play a key role in the rural economy of Scotland; tips for avoiding damage and disturbance to our natural environment; suggestions on how to be sensitive to the historic and sometimes fragile character of our cultural heritage; and ideas for sourcing environmentally-responsible suppliers.
By following this guide, your visitors will be making a highly valued contribution to the conservation of our natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
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25/03/2010
Research Summaries
Sustainability
Concern about global warming and the environment is growing at a fast rate. Whilst travellers appear to be taking a ‘hands off’ approach to their own travel plans, they are increasingly expecting the travel industry to take responsibility for implementing greener practices.
In its monthly ‘Foresight’ publication, VisitBritain has examined some of the key issues affecting our drive to develop a more sustainable tourism industry.
Topics include: why there is much more to a sustainable tourism industry than ‘being green’; the challenges and opportunities that climate change might bring to UK tourism; the role that nature and wildlife plays in UK tourism; and the pros and cons of wind farms for tourism.
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