Leading the Way to Sustainable Tourism: How UK Destination Managers Can Empower Sustainable Local Tourism

Leading the Way to Sustainable Tourism: How UK Destination Managers Can Empower Sustainable Local Tourism

In today's rapidly evolving tourism landscape, sustainability is no longer a mere option—it's a necessity. As environmental concerns intensify and travellers become more eco-conscious, UK destination managers are uniquely positioned to lead the charge towards a greener future. By empowering local tourism businesses to adopt sustainable practices, we can ensure that our cherished destinations remain vibrant and resilient for generations to come. Let’s talk about how UK destination managers can help local tourism businesses embrace sustainability, with practical guidance and real-life examples.

Objective

This is the first of a series of blogs to promote and highlight TMI’s increasingly valuable sustainability resources, which are available to all members to utilise and share with stakeholders and businesses. Through these blogs, we hope to encourage engagement and practical application amongst TMI members, and non-member destination practitioners and tourism academics and students. 

Why Supporting Sustainable Tourism Matters for UK Destinations

Sustainable tourism minimizes negative impacts and enhances local well-being while preserving the UK’s diverse natural and cultural resources. Here are three core benefits of sustainable tourism practices:

• Environmental Preservation: By adopting sustainable practices, businesses can reduce waste, conserve resources, and protect local ecosystems.
• Economic Resilience: Sustainable practices attract eco-conscious travellers and can help businesses save on costs through efficiencies.
• Community Engagement: Supporting sustainable tourism fosters community involvement, preserves heritage, and enhances visitor experiences.

Key Insights & Knowledge for Destination Managers

Here’s how destination managers can help local businesses integrate sustainability into their operations:

• Promote Certification Programs: Encourage UK businesses to pursue certifications like Green Tourism, which provide credibility and guide sustainability improvements.
• Share Toolkits and Resources: The VisitBritain - Keep it Real toolkit, along with TMI resources such as Marketing Resources for Destinations and Certification Schemes for Destinations and Businesses, offers valuable strategies for sustainable branding and operational practices.
• Facilitate Training and Workshops: Arrange sessions focused on energy conservation, waste management, and sourcing local products to empower businesses with actionable insights.
• Support Sustainable Marketing Efforts: Guide businesses on showcasing their sustainability efforts, drawing in environmentally-conscious travellers and
  distinguishing your destination as a leader in responsible tourism.

The National Forest

The National Forest’s Timber Festival is a prime example of how sustainability can be integrated into local tourism. Held in the heart of the National Forest, the festival focuses on celebrating the forest’s cultural, ecological, and sustainable tourism potential. It brings together local communities, businesses, and visitors through environmental initiatives such as waste reduction, energy conservation, and promoting sustainable products. The festival’s success lies in its ability to engage the public and tourism businesses while fostering a connection with nature. This case study demonstrates how destination managers can use events to boost sustainability in tourism.

To read more about this case study, see The National Forest - Timber Festival.

Empowering local tourism businesses in sustainability is a vital step for creating resilient, eco-friendly communities. By providing resources, organizing training, and encouraging certifications, destination managers can guide businesses in adopting impactful sustainable practices that benefit the entire destination.

TMI provide resources to support their membership. So please let us know what challenges have you encountered or anticipate in encouraging local businesses to adopt sustainable practices? Are there particular obstacles, such as funding, community engagement, or limited resources, that make this journey more difficult? What strategies or resources have you found helpful? we’d value your insights and experiences in the comments below.

If you’re a TMI Member and want to learn more about this topic, please explore the recommended resources available in Our Portal. For those who are not yet members, we encourage you to subscribe for full access to these valuable resources—Email Graham Haynes at secretary@tmi.org.uk  for membership details.

This is the first of a series of blogs developed by Acorn Tourism Consultants