Ten businesses have been awarded an IW Green Tourism Award, managed by Visit Isle of Wight.
The IW Green Tourism Award, which launched last month, aims to celebrate Island businesses that are making every effort to reduce their carbon footprint, promote sustainable travel and champion green initiatives, boosting green, sustainable, and responsible tourism for the Isle of Wight.
Summers: Exceptional standard of entries
Talking about the awards, Amy Summers, Sustainable Travel, Trade and Exhibitions Manager at Visit Isle of Wight, said,
“The standard of entries for the award has been exceptional. All these businesses have clearly demonstrated the effort that they are making to support the Island’s journey towards Net Carbon Zero and our UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status.
“Examples of green initiatives include Air Source Heat Pump for a swimming pool, free bike hire for guests, championing locally sourced produce, discounts for guests who travel without a car, electric vehicle charging points, composting toilets, and promotion of the ANOB and Biosphere. All of these go towards boosting green, sustainable, and responsible tourism on the Isle of Wight.”
The award is based around three themes, people, place, and our planet. These themes are to promote sustainable and responsible tourism on the Isle of Wight. Award winners will receive a bronze, silver or gold award, depending on the criteria that they meet.
Mocroft: Seemed natural to be as sustainable as possible
Paul Mocroft, from The Bay Boutique Bed and Breakfast in Freshwater Bay, was the first business to apply for the award, receiving a Gold Award. Speaking about his achievement he said,
“Before running The Bay Boutique Bed and Breakfast I worked in the environmental sector for over a decade, so when we renovated and opened our new business it seemed natural to be as sustainable as possible.
Not only does being eco-conscious benefit the environment, it also makes good business sense too. We use less and therefore spend less. Customers too love the fact that we’re green, so it really is win, win, win. I’d encourage other Island businesses to play their part. Even small actions can have a big impact.”
The winners
The full list of Award winners include:
- Gold – Lyon Court, Shanklin
- Gold – Shanklin Holiday Homes, Shanklin
- Gold – The Bay Boutique Bed and Breakfast, Freshwater Bay
- Gold – The Brewhouse, Newchurch
- Gold – The Granary at Manor Bottom, Wroxall
- Gold – Three Gables Holidays, Newbridge
- Gold – Tiny Homes Holidays, Cowes
- Silver – 2 The Granary, Brighstone
- Silver – Isle of Wight Distillery Ltd, Ryde
- Silver – The Water Mill, Calbourne
Open to all
The award is open to any business that is a BID Levy payer or voluntary contributor. If your business is not one of these, a voluntary contribution is required that starts from £150 plus vat per year.
The application process is open all year round and businesses successful in gaining an award will receive the accolade for one year following the date it was awarded.
For more information about the IW Green Tourism Award, please visit the Website.
News shared by Simon on behalf of Visit Isle of Wight. Ed
