VISIT Worcestershire is celebrating national recognition after being awarded gold certification.
The Green Tourism Awards celebrate destinations which go above and beyond in delivering high-quality, sustainable visitor experiences.
The judging panel said Visit Worcestershire and Worcestershire County Council’s had forward-thinking schemes which led to the highest certification possible for tourism destinations.
As more travellers seek environmentally responsible experiences, this accolade makes the county the place to visit for regenerative tourism. It also supports Visit Worcestershire’s ambition to grow the local visitor economy to over £1billion annually in the next five years.
Lorna Robinson, visitor economy and destination manager, said everyone was delighted with the gold award.
“It’s fabulous recognition of the incredible work going on across Worcestershire to put people, place, and the visitor experience at the heart of everything we do.
“This isn’t just a badge – it’s a signal Worcestershire is serious about being a leading destination for responsible, regenerative and highly enjoyable travel.
“From supporting local producers through Taste Worcestershire to improving access with green transport and biodiversity projects, we’re proud to be flying the flag for a better way to travel.”
She added she was so proud of the team, its partners and the ‘brilliant’ local businesses making Worcestershire a shining example of how tourism can do good.
The award recognises efforts to connect people with Worcestershire’s countryside in ways which benefit both visitors and the local economy.
Visit Worcestershire is actively working with the Malvern Hills Trust to inform visitors on how to visit responsibly through a series of short social media videos on topics including bird nesting season and responsible dog walking on the hills.
Part of the award submission focused on the Natural Networks Programme, delivered with the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.
The scheme has benefited several Worcestershire tourism businesses, including Bowbrook Lodges, which introduced a new wetlands habitat to increase biodiversity on the holiday park, as well as improving the visitor experience.
With grant support from Worcestershire County Council, visitor attraction Little Owl Farm Park, secured funding to install a solar PV system, projected to cut its energy bill by thousands of pounds annually.
Another key element helping gain the award was the Worcestershire On Demand bus service, delivered by the county council.
The flexible, app-based transport service is already enhancing visitor access to rural attractions across the county, connecting tourists and residents directly with destinations such as Attwell Farm Park, the Clent Hills and Croome Court.
The convenient and sustainable way to reach the areas is opening up more of Worcestershire to day trippers, without the need for a car.
Visit: green-tourism.com for more information.
