carbonneutraltourism.co.uk

It’s interesting to note that Pontins have reported a 10% growth in summer bookings this year.  This is likely to be driven in part by the strong Euro and the credit crunch.  Pontins operate seven holiday villages in the UK and they expect to attract 750,000 guests this year.  Pontins was recently acquired by Ocean Parcs.

Rye Bay Beach House is a newly built 3 storey house and is part of a unique development that combines quality and contemporary design with environmental sustainability. The developments eco credentials include two wind turbines generating power for reintroduction back to the National Grid.  Solar energy is captured using solar tubes.  Geo thermal space heating is also used as well as green roof system that blends with the landscape and retains rain water for further use.  The house sleeps 4/6 and is situated behind Camber’s stunning sand dunes - a stones throw away from one of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the South East Coat.

Previously we have written a post on Natural Retreats, a provider of luxury self catering breaks in the Yorkshire Dales.  Their ethos centres on providing environmentally friendly breaks.  Natural Retreats have recently announced that they will be introducing new sites in the UK in the near future.   Click here to find out more.

We have written several posts about Under the Thatch and we continued to be impressed by their work.  Bryncyn located in the Camarthenshire Hills is another recent addition to their portfolio of self catering properties.

Under the Thatch a leading provider of self catering breaks in unique properties have recently added a number of properties to their portfolio, including Castell-Mai a Georgian splendour with views of Caernarfon Castle.

Premier The Honourable Anna Bligh
Monday, May 26, 2008

Bligh congratulates world leading ecotourism tourism operator

Townsville: Hidden Valley Cabins, Australia’s first 100% carbon neutral and solar powered resort, is a shining example of the Queensland tourism industry’s environmental commitment Premier Anna Bligh said today.

The Premier, in Townsville for Community Cabinet, presented Ian and Bonnie McLennan, owners of the resort 1.5 hours north-west of Townsville, with a Tourism Queensland certificate of recognition for outstanding leadership in environmental sustainability.

“Much of Queensland’s tourism industry centres on our wonderful natural assets and it is essential that we continue protect those areas that make a visit to our state so special,” Ms Bligh said.

“Climate change has been identified as the number one long-term issue affecting Queensland’s $8.4 billion tourism industry and it is fantastic to see a family-owned property like Hidden Valley Cabins taking the lead and really walking the talk,” she said.

Ms Bligh said after reducing its carbon-based emissions, the fully solar-powered property had purchased carbon credits to offset the rest of its operational activities.

It had also gained Advanced Ecotourism accreditation under Ecotourism Australia’s rigorous ECO Certification program.

Ecotourism Australia works closely with Tourism Queensland in encouraging the state’s nature-based tourism operators to become ECO Certified.

“Queensland has more than 250 ECO Certified tourism products, the largest of any state.”

“This is proof of the commitment our tourism industry has in ensuring it grows in a sustainable way while protecting our natural assets.”

Ms Bligh said tourists, particularly those from international markets such as Europe and the UK, were increasingly asking for tourism products’ “green credentials” before booking a holiday.

“It’s important for Queensland’s tourism operators to look to the future and take Hidden Valley Cabins’ lead by implementing environmentally sustainable practices wherever possible.”

“Improving environmental sustainability is a win-win situation for operators – not only will they help preserve our environment, but they will be able to capitalise on a growing trend for ecotourism products.”

Ms Bligh said Hidden Valley Cabins was proof of what initiative, ingenuity and a commitment to positive change could achieve.

Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=58228

Under the Thatch a provider of self catering breaks in traditional properties have recently announced that they have added several properties to their offer. 

They include Pont Esgob a cottage which sleeps 2 adults and 2 children.  Located in the Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons National Park the restoration was completed in April 2008.

Find out more click > Under the Thatch.  

The decision by Hidden Valley Cabins to go green has paid dividends with the operator reporting record occupancy levels and a massive reduction in energy expenses. Now the team behind the move wants to help other operators make the switch to sustainable power.

The $75,000 investment into solar panels is set to pay for itself in two years. Diesel prices are skyrocketing and the McLennan family has not turned on their generator since making the switch to green power six months ago.

The maintenance free solar panels aren’t just a head turner - with diesel costing $1.80 per litre delivered to the property outside Paluma, and the operation of the generator using upwards of 26,000 litres a year – they’re saving the family business $46,800 a year on fuel costs alone.

Operations Manager Ross McLennan said other remote operators face annual bills of between $100,000 and $150,000 for their diesel generators – and the cost is increasing annually.

“We made the switch to solar power in December – since then we’ve had huge publicity and our numbers have swelled dramatically. We’re really surprised that we haven’t had to turn on the generator as a back up power supply. Not only have we increased our bookings – but we’ve significantly decreased our operational costs.”

“We’re looking to run some workshops at our property to encourage other operators to make the switch to solar. It’s a real sustainable solution – it stacks up economically and environmentally,” Mr McLennan said.

Townsville Enterprise Destination Marketing and Development Manager Brent Randall applauded the initiative and encouraged other operators to consider their impact on the environment and the savings to be made.

“Hidden Valley Cabins have been recognised as pioneers, leading the country in green initiatives. Their willingness to share their new knowledge with others shows this is more than a marketing ploy – it’s about making a difference.”

“With rising fuel costs costing regional operators both in bookings and in operational costs any steps to cut back on spending and encourage environmentally conscious visitors are steps we should be making cooperatively as a region.”

“In this age of environmental awareness and threats such as global warming – visitors are looking for tourism operators who are committed to sustainable tourism development and an environmentally friendly approach.”

The Eco Lodge, in Lincolnshire has been recommended for the the Times Green Spaces award.

The Solar Eco Cabins and Interpretive Centre at Hidden Valley Cabins are an inspiration for the tourist industry and the community to follow, Stephen Pahl CEO of Ecotourism Australia said today.

“Hidden Valley Cabins is Australia’s first fully carbon neutral resort and tour business, and they have recently achieved Advanced Ecotourism Certification,” said Stephen.

“The official opening of the Solar Eco Cabins on 4 April is the culmination of the McLennan family’s commitment to environmental improvement over more than 20 years and they have achieved a model that should inspire the rest of the tourist industry and anyone interested in ways to reduce their carbon footprint.”

Visitors to Hidden Valley Cabins now not only enjoy a relaxing stay and awe-inspiring tours in the spectacular and pristine natural environment north of Townsville but can also visit the new Interpretative Centre that explains more about the solar technology used to power the resort.

Hidden Valley Cabins operations manager Ross McLennan said their carbon neutral milestone is another important step in the journey they began 22 years ago.

“Hidden Valley is not on grid power and, over the years, we have developed ways to decrease our reliance on generator power while making sure our guests enjoy all the comfort and facilities they need,” Ross said.

“Now, we are generating all of our own renewable energy and have saved 78 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

“For the carbon emissions we cannot yet eradicate – such as those of deliveries to the resort and tour buses – we are buying carbon offsets,” Ross said.

On Friday 4 April, over 80 guests, including Brian Cuthine CEO Townsville City Council, Ben Callcot Mayor of Charter Towers and Shane Knuth MP Member for Charters Towers, visited the resort northwest of Townsville near Running River on the western slope of the Coastal Range in North Queensland. They celebrated the official opening and toured the Interpretative Centre.

Ecotourism Australia’s Stephen Pahl said other businesses, both within the tourist industry and beyond, must take up the challenge to reduce their emissions.

“I urge anyone responsible for a business to combine an unforgettable few days at this magnificent Queensland destination with a fact-finding mission to see how renewable energy can power all the essentials for comfort,” Stephen said.

“Ecotourism Australia’s world-leading ecotourism accreditation system has been challenging our industry to achieve measurable environmental results since it began 11 years ago and the ecotourism industry now has an important role in showcasing its solutions to the broader community.

“We congratulate Hidden Valley Cabins on their achievement and on opening a window for others to see how it’s done,” Stephen said.

Ecotourism Australia is the peak national body for the ecotourism industry in Australia. It aims to grow and promote ecotourism and to assist tourism operators to become environmentally sustainable, economically viable and socially and culturally responsible.

It is a non-profit organisation with membership that includes tour operators, ecotourism accommodation, tourism planners, protected area managers, academics and students, regional tourism associations and travellers.

Ecotourism Australia’s certification program is a world first. It provides objective monitoring and auditing of organisations’ ecotourism claims and provides travel agents and tourists with an assurance of best practice ecological sustainability, natural area management and quality ecotourism experiences.