Scotland's stunning landscapes, natural heritage, wildlife, castles and historic buildings are what makes our country so fantastic to visit; and they need protecting for future generations. Help make your next trip to Scotland more sustainable by choosing environmentally-friendly accommodation and stay in a green hotel or eco hotel. There are plenty to choose from whether you stay in a green lodge, or would prefer a rustic eco cabin.
What Does Green Tourism Mean?
Green, Sustainable Tourism, or Responsible Tourism encourages visitors to Scotland to consider the impact their visit has on the environment. There are lots of ways we can help protect Scotland from the impacts of over-tourism, including considering where and when we visit, choosing sustainable and active ways to travel, and staying in environmentally-friendly accommodation.
This report from July 2019 stated that the value of nature based tourism to Scotland’s economy was around £1.4bn per year, supporting 39,000 jobs and making up almost 40% of all tourism spending in Scotland. Environmentally friendly holidays such as eco camping really make a difference!
Tourism Declares Initiative
VisitScotland are committed to do as much as we can to get Scotland known around the world as a responsible destination. In November 2020, we became the first national tourism organisation to sign up to the Tourism Declares initiative. Working alongside our partners Wild Scotland and Sail Scotland, this initiative aims to help businesses reduce carbon emissions while the industry begins to recover from the effects of COVID-19.
Watch this space for more on responsible tourism.
Eco-Friendly Accommodation In Scotland
It is easy to be green in Scotland. Being eco-friendly no longer means getting off the grid and bathing in rainwater - unless you want to that is! Green accommodation in Scotland is easy to find, and options range from cosy eco cottages, quirky hostels, modern glamping pods, and self-catering eco-lodges, to grand castles and luxury green hotels - the choices are endless. Here are just a few of your options.