Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards 2023: Online ‘green space’ to aid responsible tourism effort
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With its spectacular landscapes, unique cultures and heritage, and a natural larder that enjoys global fame, it is little wonder that all the regions of the Highlands and Islands; from Argyll in the west, to Moray in the east, and Orkney and Shetland in the north, continue to attract thousands of visitors from around the world every year.
Playing a key role in supporting our beautiful corner of Scotland is the tourism and hospitality industry which can now access advice and guidance on responsible tourism and tackling climate change thanks to a new dedicated webpage launched by the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards https://www.hita-awards.com/about-the-awards/responsible-tourism
The new section on the website will signpost businesses to organisations and services that can offer free tools, support, guidance and advice in transitioning to net zero, making business practices ‘green’, and reducing waste as steps towards responsible tourism.
Among the support available is the Royal Bank Carbon Planner which can help measure your carbon footprint by answering a few questions, get tailored actions and start building a plan to reduce emissions.
Also from Royal Bank of Scotland is the Royal Bank Climate Hub which has information on green loans, green asset and electric vehicles finance.
There are also links to Zero Waste Scotland’s advice for business, Scottish Enterprise energy guides advising how to calculate your business’s carbon footprint, and VisitScotland’s guide to creating your own climate action plan.
HITA chairman, Calum Ross, said it was clear members were making significant efforts in protecting the region’s future ensuring visitors and communities can continue to enjoy the area for generations to come while supporting a thriving industry.
“Responsible tourism and progress towards net zero have gone from being an aspirational ‘nice to do’ aspect of our business to being an essential part of our daily operations.
“Increasing numbers of our customers expect that and the planet certainly needs it.
“Our corner of Scotland is spectacular; it’s world-renowned for its breathtaking countryside and coastline, stunning natural attractions, outstanding food and drink, and its unique cultures and heritage – we want to keep it that way for many years to come.
“We want to support our members as much as we can in championing responsible tourism and transitioning to net zero.
“It can be difficult to know the best steps to take on the green journey, even for the largest of organisations, but our new web section is a great starting point.” HITA vice chair and lead judge at this year’s awards, Lorna Maclennan, added: “We were delighted to launch the climate action award last year to recognise the great efforts of businesses in protecting our beautiful environment as well as supporting the communities and cultures here that make it such a wonderful place to live and visit.
“We are continually inspired by the innovation, creativity and commitment of local businesses in their efforts in responsible tourism.
“This year’s submissions have once again been highly impressive, making our job of choosing the shortlist, revealed last month, all the more difficult.
“There is no doubt there is a real desire across the sector here to demonstrate best practice in responsible tourism and we will do all that we can to support that.”
Once again sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland, the annual awards bring together industry leaders, rising stars, new enterprises and trusted names to celebrate achievements and recognise excellence in the sector.
The winners will be announced at a gala dinner and ceremony at the Macdonald Drumossie Hotel in Inverness on Friday, November 10.
The event will host industry leaders, sponsors, inspiring speakers, entertainment, and most importantly, all of those shortlisted for an award for a spectacular evening of celebration, recognition and pride.
The team at Drumossie will also prepare a spectacular gala dinner showcasing the finest local produce.
For more visit www.hita-awards.com
