What We Are Doing
Our work on sustainable tourism is three-fold - firstly, we are undertaking reviews and measures of our own practices to make our own positive changes, we are also working with businesses, organisations and other partners to drive forward sustainable tourism in the Cotswolds, and lastly we are trying to influence the behaviour of visitors to the Cotswolds.
In 2021, we took our first step to prioritising sustainable tourism by placing it at the forefront of our Destination Management Plan. The objectives set out in the DMP include objectives to encourage visitor economy businesses and organisations to adopt sustainable practices.
Working with businesses to make positive changes
In early 2022 we ran a survey for visitor economy businesses to tell us how we can best support them to become greener and more sustainably focused. We had a high level of responses and invaluable feedback that has helped to shape the Cotswolds Tourism Sustainable Tourism Action Plan and the sustainability plans of the Cotswolds Plus Local Visitor Economy Partnership.
Sustainability projects
Using insights from our business survey and qualtative information, Cotswolds Tourism is delivering a series of projects to support businesses in their sustainability journey. Information on each project is included within the Sustainable Tourism section, including Local Connections, Car-free Cotswolds and Sustainability Champions. Work is underway to create a hub of useful sustainabiltiy information for businesses and a sustainability grants scheme for businesses in West Oxfordshire.
Influencing visitors
Throughout our marketing and commuications to visitors we focus on sustainable tourism messaging and content in order to positively influence visitor choices whilst visiting the Cotswolds. This includes the Eco Friendly Cotswolds section on our consumer website, through socials, newsletters and campaigns.
If you are interested in finding out more about any aspect of our sustainable tourism work please contact us.