Gold rush to go Green!
Tourism businesses reaching the gold standard in Visit Isle of Wight’s new Green Star scheme have been announced. Nearly 50% of Isle of Wight businesses signed up to the newly relaunched scheme have achieved gold. To reach gold standard, businesses must have committed to meeting 85% of the criteria that relate to promoting the use of sustainable transport. Examples include inspiring guests with information on how to travel to and around the Isle of Wight sustainably, offer dedicated walking and cycling facilities or providing an electric vehicle charging point. More than 60 businesses have pledged to promote the use of sustainable transport during the first three months of Visit Isle of Wight’s Green Star scheme. The new scheme has 3 levels of entry – bronze, silver and gold membership – encouraging all Isle of Wight tourism businesses to be a part of the scheme at any level and receive recognition. Of the 61 members, 26 have now reached gold standard. Paul McCathie from Goodleaf Tree Climbing explained that some small changes helped them get gold: ‘We made a couple of little tweeks and then bingo, we were in there, it was great! It was very helpful to get that support from Visit Isle of Wight too.’ Rossanne Burfoot is from the marketing team at Isle of Wight Pearl. She explains that although they are in a beautiful but remote part of the Island, it wasn’t difficult to advocate sustainable travel: ‘The Isle of Wight Pearl has always been a supporter of all things green, of all things eco. The sustainable travel option for us has always been walking and cycling but actually promoting the fact that people can be involved with us using the bus network is helpful. Southern Vectis support us through the peak season with Coaster bus, but all year round we like to help out by telling people where they can get from the bus stop in Brighstone village.’
