Belfast gets Green Tourism recognition

Green Tourism has partnered with Belfast Council to advance sustainable tourism and boost economic recovery from Covid-19. 

The Green Tourism standard is internationally recognised and gives acknowledgement to organisations that work responsibly, ethically and sustainably.

Thanks to this new partnership, tourism and hospitality businesses within the council area will be able to apply for this standard.

Visit Belfast is the first to gain recognition and has received a bronze accreditation from Green Tourism.

Under Visit Belfast’s three-year recovery plan, the organisation set out a new direction for travel tourism, with plans to focus on supporting sustainable and inclusive tourism.

According to the council, securing this standard will help businesses to tackle the climate crisis but also attract new businesses and consumers who are increasingly seeking out destinations with strong sustainable and ethical credentials.

Andrea Nicholas, chief executive of Green Tourism, said: ‘We very excited to be partnering with Visit Belfast and the Belfast City Council to help deliver their bold and ambitious green tourism plans for the city. 

‘Belfast’s commitment to greening their tourism businesses and destination is very forward-thinking and at a level, I have not experienced before. It is truly to be commended and hopefully an example to other destinations looking to put sustainability standards at the top of the agenda and at the same time support their local businesses as they build back better from the impact of Covid-19.’

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Kate Nicholl added: ‘Covid-19 has changed how we think and feel about the world around us and it provided us with renewed opportunity and commitment to rebuild Belfast in a different way.

‘We know that we must all play our part – individually, collectively and across society. Regardless of industry or sector, we all bear responsibility for stopping and reversing the effects of climate change on our planet.’

Photo Credit – supplied by Visit Belfast