Validation

There are a wide range of sustainable tourism certification schemes in operation in England, ranging from those that have international recognition to smaller independently managed operations.  With such a range it is easy for a business to become confused on where to invest time and money.

The different schemes can also create significant confusion for the consumer as each certification programme has its own logo and brand.

VisitEngland currently promotes the following schemes which have undergone a rigorous verification process to ensure that these are robust and credible programmes.

green, sustainable tourism, green start, quality, quality standards, visitbritain,

Why validate and what does it mean? Go

Need to know more about validation, what the difference between certification and validation is, and what it means for VisitEngland to state a supplier is green?

green, sustainable tourism, green start, quality, quality standards, visitbritain

Green Tourism Business Scheme Go

 - Validated until Jan 2014. With 2400 members in Britain, the Green Tourism Business Scheme is the largest sustainability certification programme of its kind in the world

SGS BS8901

BS8901 certified by SGS Go

- Validated until June 2012. SGS is one of the largest certification bodies in the world, and the standard they are certifying to is BS8901.

Peak District Environmental Quality Mark

Peak District Environmental Quality Mark Go

- Validated until June 2012. The Environmental Quality Mark is a place based environmental quality mark that enables any businesses to demonstrate how they use and enhance the place in a sustainable way, to increase the fulfilment of customers.

STEP by Sustainable Travel International logo

STEP by Sustainable Travel International Go

- Validated until Dec 2012. Sustainable Tourism Eco-certification Programme (STEP) is the certification programme from Sustainable Travel International.