Green Edge Training

The course includes cost reduction; working effectively with local communities and suppliers to improve a destination's green credentials; marketing and communications; understanding green-conscious visitors' expectations; and implementing a Green Tourism strategy.

Green Edge provides credits towards Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) awards accreditation. It helps businesses using VisitEngland's Green Start programme, a web-based resource, to turn their initial planning into practical action.

Green Edge covers:

1. Reasons for being green

• Sustaining your business
• Reducing resources and costs
• Attracting visitors and improving customer satisfaction
• Benefiting the environment and the community

2. Understanding Green Tourism jargon

• The terminology and what it means

3. Managing delivery of Green Tourism

• Identifying the impacts on your business
• Meeting legal requirements
• Developing a strategy and action plans
• Motivating and managing staff
• Monitoring progress

4. Reducing costs and impacts

• Top tips to save energy, water and waste
• Setting targets and developing action plans

5. Working with suppliers

• Tips for green procurement
• Trade-offs - what matters most to you?
• Developing a product inventory

6. Adding a distinctive local feel

• Your community's tourism assets
• Helping visitors to travel better
• Partnerships to protect local assets

7. Promoting your green credentials

• Identifying green-aware customers
• Communicating sustainability messages
• Accreditation opportunities
• Walking the walk - ensuring you stay on the green track