) November 14, 2008 -- With sustainability and green issues now much in the mainstream, and individuals conscious of the role they have to play in preserving the environment, leading South West self-catering holiday company Blue Chip Vacations has signed up with the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS), the leading sustainable tourism certification scheme in the UK, and is not only offsetting its own carbon emissions but offering holidaymakers the opportunity to offset the emissions from their Blue Chip Vacations stay too. As an online booking is made via the Blue Chip website, www.bluechipvacations.com, the state-of-the-art system calculates the cost to offset the carbon emissions generated by the holidaymakers’ journey to the property, offering them the opportunity to add the cost to their booking form. Monies raised are donated to the World Land Trust (www.worldlandtrust.org.uk).
Blue Chip Vacations represents over 450 handpicked 4 & 5 star properties across the West Country. Each property has been chosen for its stunning location, amazing coastal or rural views or hi-spec interior. Properties are reviewed each year to ensure they meet the high standard set not only by Blue Chip Vacations, but also by Quality in Tourism.
Businesses opting to join the GTBS are assessed against a rigorous set of criteria covering areas such as energy and water efficiency, waste management and biodiversity. Following its work on office energy efficiency Blue Chip Vacations has been awarded the Silver GTBS award.
Managing Director, Liam Gavin comments, “The West Country continues to be one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations and this looks set to continue despite the volatile economy. This year, having taken on more properties, our bookings have risen by 74% and so it is only right that we look to address the carbon emissions that this generates. I’m delighted we have achieved the silver award, but with the popularity of the West Country, as a holiday destination, we now really have to go for gold.”
For further details, contact:
Simon Whittam on 01803 855282
or 07802 416 420
enquiries @ simonwhittam.co.uk www.bluechipvacations.com
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