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 This
area of E4B is aimed specifically at Cumbrian SME's
involved in the tourism industry. The following sections
provide practical information and advice on improving
environmental performance and "greening" your
business, along with case studies and listings of further
sources of on-line information, training organisations,
and useful contacts.
Background
The environment and tourism are inextricably linked,
and nowhere is this better demonstrated than in Cumbria.
If managed unsustainably, tourism can result in increased
pollution and congestion that has negative impacts on
both the local community and the environment. Tourism
can also price local people out of the housing market
and lead to a loss of local identity. Sustainable tourism
development is about the wise use of resources to ensure
that your business has a little effect upon the environment
it depends upon as possible.
Why should I reduce the environmental impact of my business?
 Save
Money
Reducing the environmental impact of your business can
often be achieved through the implementation of practical
common sense measures designed to increase efficiency,
improve resource (e.g. water
and energy) management and
reduce costs. These simple practical measures usually
require little capital outlay with short payback periods.
Attract
Visitors
We are living in a society that is becoming increasingly
conscious of environmental issues. Consumers are actively
selecting products and services from companies that
demonstrate a commitment to reducing the environmental
impact of their activities.
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The tourism industry is no exception to this trend,
in a poll conducted by MORI in 1997
18% of travellers said they would not return to
a hotel that did not care about the environment.
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61% of travellers thought it important that companies
they dealt with take into account environmental
issues.
Therefore implementing measures to reduce the impact
that your business has on the environment will provide
a competitive edge in an environmentally aware market
place.
To find out more select one of the following subject
areas
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