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.
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.
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.
We've been working hard behind the scenes to share with you what businesses are doing to be green from recommending public transport and active travel to sourcing high-quality food and drink in our cafés and restaurants to reduce food miles. We are also carrying this into our long-term plans through our events industry, hosting the UCI Cycling World Championships in 2023 and through our Scotland's Year of Coasts and Waters activity to encourage everyone to think responsibly when visiting.
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 cottages, quirky hostels, modern glamping pods, and self-catering eco-lodges, to grand castles and luxury hotels - the choices are endless. Here are just a few of your options.