Sustainable tourism event takes place onboard luxury floating hotel Fingal

Inspiring and influential voices in the sustainable tourism sector have come together to focus on the opportunity for environmental improvement.

Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful coordinated the event, hosted by the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, onboard Fingal in Edinburgh on Thursday 6 February 2025.

Focusing on the opportunity for the tourism industry to reduce its environmental impact and maximise the associated economic and social benefits, the event also celebrated the success of 41 Scottish establishments which have successfully achieved the international Green Key accreditation – reflecting the importance of recognising responsible and sustainable practices in the tourism space.

Speakers, including Business Minister Richard Lochhead, VisitScotland Chief Executive Vicki Miller and those representing the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, Moxy Edinburgh Airport and the Ibis St Andrews – part of a prestigious group, not only in Scotland but across the world, who lead the way in sustainable tourism – also highlighted the need for a collaborative approach to grow the value of sustainable tourism for the benefit of the environment, our communities and the wider people of Scotland.

Business Minister Richard Lochhead, who gave the keynote address at the event, said: “Our national tourism strategy places sustainability at its core.

“Given that visitors are increasingly interested in a destination’s green credentials, it is great news that 41 Scottish businesses have received international Green Key accreditation from Keep Scotland Beautiful.

“I would encourage others to follow suit to make Scotland a thriving and forward-looking destination, grasping the opportunities of a net zero future.”

Green Key is open to a wide range of establishments including hotels, visitor attractions, conference centres, campsites and restaurants and helps them meet global environmental standards recognised by the UN World Tourism Organisation. There are 41 accredited establishments in Scotland and more than 6,000 across 70 countries globally.

Barry Fisher, Chief Executive at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “Tackling climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing Scottish tourism now. Consumer concern over the environment and climate has doubled in the last decade."

“We know that many people come to Scotland for our beautiful landscapes, heritage and culture and it is clear that international accreditation plays a part – celebrating achievement and clearly verifying business commitments to the environment with visitors and customers who seek out sustainable choices."

“The services and audits that we can offer the tourism sector, from Climate Emergency Training to audits against the Green Key criteria, can help you with your business' environmental, social, and economic impact at the same time as providing you with an independent review of where your business is doing well and where it could improve. If you’d like to find out more about how we can support your sustainability journey, please get in touch.”

Franck Bruyère, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Yacht Brittania and Fingal Hotel, said: "We recognise that action is needed to address climate challenges, and we have a responsibility to do business in a manner that protects and improves the community and environment for our future generations."

“We are very proud that the teams across both our ships, Britannia and Fingal, earned their gold level National Award for Environmental Excellence last year, and going forward we aim to set the hospitality industry benchmark for best practise and integrate it into everything to we do. Our knowledgeable crew are passionate about making a difference, and we hope we can inspire fellow businesses in the industry to make Scotland an even better destination."

Find out more about how to apply for Green Key and other assistance Keep Scotland Beautiful offer at Green Key | Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Image: Barry Fisher, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, Business Minister Richard Lochhead, VisitScotland Chief Executive Vicki Miller, Tom Brock OBE, Chair of Keep Scotland Beautiful and Franck Bruyere, Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Yacht Brittania and Fingal Hotel