Visit Britain Puts Focus on Sustainable Tourism

Visit Britain is leading the way on sustainable and responsible tourism.

The UK government has committed to a green policy that includes setting targets to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050, Gavin Landry, Visit Britain's Executive Vice President/Director, the Americas, said on a virtual chat with the media yesterday.

"We're helping the industry in ways that are environmentally, culturally and socially sustainable," he said.

Visit Britain has a green tourism program that, among other things, helps businesses become more sustainable and environment ally friendly, with helpful hints regarding food waste, "greening" a hotel and more.

"At Visit Scotland we take a responsible tourism approach," said Janie Neumann, Visit Scotland's Sustainable Tourism Manager. "We're looking for all players in the tourism and events industry to take responsibility for their impact."

Neumann said Visit Scotland is trying to get tourism businesses to actually improve their environment, not simply lessen the harm. She also noted Scotland has a tremendous cultural heritage that it wants to protect and enhance.

Lucy von Weber, Head of Marketing for Visit Wales, said Wales led the way with a ban on plastic bags that was brought in ten years. They're also big on recycling and are adding water refilling stations along the country's 870-mile coastal walk.

Weber also noted that Wales has something called the Addo pledge, a consumer promise that has three main tenets: "caring for communities, caring for each other and caring for our epic country, our epic land."

Lucette Demets, Head of Sustainability for London & Partners, said her organization's goal is to "build tourism that's resilient, sustainable and inclusive."

The mayor of London has ambitious plans to reach zero carbon output and zero pollution by 2030, and zero waste by 2050.

Landry noted that more and more consumers are asking for sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism options.

For years, he said, destinations have urged visitors to get out of the main cities and explore.

"Now, consumers are driving that as much if not more than those on the supply side. And that's really cool."

Neumann said visitors can reduce their impact on a destination by spending more time in one place, visiting lesser-known regions, travelling in off-peak times, using public transportation and embracing places with some kind of green certification so they can help businesses that are trying to make a difference.

Major events and attractions on the horizon for Great Britain include the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham next year and the 150th rendition of The Open golf tournament at St. Andrews in Scotland. Next year also will mark Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee, a celebration of her 70th year on the throne. There will be a series of events from June 2-5, including concerts, parades and much more.

Landry noted that new rules for travel to Britain will begin October 4.Visit Britain put out the following clarification on Wednesday, Sept. 22.

Starting Monday, October 4th, testing requirements are being reduced for eligible fully vaccinated travellers from non-red list countries (including Canada) who will no longer need to take a Pre Departure Test when travelling to England.

Eligible means: With a full course of the Oxford/AstraZeneca, Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna or Janssen vaccines from a relevant public health body in Canada - mixing between two-dose vaccines (Oxford/AstraZeneca, Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna) is also recognised.

All Canadian arrivals are required to complete an Arrivals Test. Arrivals tests must be booked before departure and the booking reference is required in order to complete a passenger locator form.

Passengers who aren't recognised as being fully vaccinated under England's international travel rules, will still have to take a pre-departure test, a day 2 and day 8 PCR test and self-isolate for 10 days upon arriving from Canada under the new two-tiered travel programme. Test to Release will remain an option for unvaccinated passengers who wish to shorten their isolation period.

Public health and safety remains the UK Government's first priority, so these rules remain subject to review. Additionally, each country within the UK - including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - continues to follow its own roadmap to recovery and may have different rules in place. Visitors are encouraged to check ahead for restrictions and read requirements carefully. Check out our 'Know Before You Go' page for additional guidance.

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