In a significant recognition of its sustainability efforts, the Four Pillars Hotel Group has been honored with the Silver Green Tourism Business Award. This accolade was presented by former Prime Minister David Cameron, highlighting the group's commitment to environmental practices across its properties. The award ceremony, held at the Oxford Witney Four Pillars Hotel during English Tourism Week on March 16, 2012, underscored the importance of sustainable tourism and celebrated the role of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds in attracting visitors.
The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) stands as the UK's leading sustainable tourism certification program. Developed initially with Visit Scotland, it is now the only scheme endorsed by Visit Britain through the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT). Participants in this program undergo a thorough assessment by a qualified advisor, evaluating their performance in various sustainability criteria including energy use, water efficiency, waste management, and biodiversity.
Businesses that excel in these areas are awarded at three levels: Bronze, Silver, or Gold, depending on their sustainability achievements. The Four Pillars Hotel Group's receipt of the Silver award signifies a high standard of environmental responsibility across its operations.
Charles Holmes, CEO of Four Pillars Hotels, expressed pride in the group's accomplishment, stating, "We are delighted and honored to receive this award from the Prime Minister. It is a tremendous accolade to have achieved a Silver rating across the whole group, and a great credit to the teams involved. Responsible tourism is an important part of what we do and we will continue to work towards improving our ratings as we move forward.”
In addition to their award-winning sustainability practices, Four Pillars Hotels has introduced an innovative initiative aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of corporate events and conferences. In collaboration with OxTreeGen, a company that promotes sustainable woodlands in the UK, Four Pillars offers a unique solution to offset carbon emissions from events. Their website, Meetings Four You, features an online calculator that helps organizations determine the number of trees needed to plant to neutralize their event's environmental impact.
Sustainable tourism is increasingly vital, with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) emphasizing its role in promoting environmental stewardship, cultural sensitivity, and economic benefits to local communities. According to the UNWTO, sustainable tourism not only helps in conserving and preserving resources but also in boosting economic opportunities in tourism-dependent regions.
The success of the Four Pillars Hotel Group in achieving the Silver Green Tourism Business Award serves as an inspiring example for the hospitality industry, demonstrating that business success and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand. This recognition not only enhances the group's reputation but also encourages other companies to adopt sustainable practices, contributing to a greener future for the global tourism industry.
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