COP26 in Glasgow shines light on Britain's sustainable travel experiences

NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) starts this Sunday, October 31, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland, and VisitBritain, the national tourism agency, is taking the opportunity to promote sustainable tourism in Britain.

VisitBritain's latest international consumer research showed that more than two-thirds of travelers surveyed across 13 countries are thinking more about sustainability and environmental impact when planning holidays.

Ahead of COP26, VisitBritain has launched a global sustainable tourism content 'hub' for visitors with itineraries, activities and experiences to enjoy a sustainable stay in Britain.

VisitBritain Executive Vice President, The Americas Gavin Landry said:

"The COP26 Summit and accompanying media exposure gives us a timely and valuable opportunity to highlight how visitors can enjoy a sustainable and responsible stay in Britain, from eco-friendly accommodation to dark sky reserves, sustainable fashion and locally sourced food and drink to epic train journeys and cycling routes.

"Many businesses and organizations in our sector are already putting sustainability at the heart of what they do and we want to support visitors and our global travel trade partners to find products and experiences that will enrich their stay. We hope people will then stay longer, travel more widely using low-carbon transport and explore out of season."

Follow these links for terrific ideas on exploring Britain sustainably:

• COP26 Host City Glasgow, Scotland: Discover an Urban Sanctuary Connected with Nature
• Electric car driving routes in Britain's Countryside: England's Lake District and Northumberland regions and the Scottish Highlands
• Discover some of Britain's most sustainable accommodation: A selection of Green Tourism accredited properties across England, Scotland and Wales
• Caledonian Sleeper night train: Access Scotland's Sustainable Travel Experiences by Rail from London
• Explore Britain's cities on two-wheels: Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London and Manchester
• Discover sustainable fashion in Britain: Eco-friendly Shopping through Ethical Clothing Brands, Vintage Apparel and Recycled Goods
• Coastal Cornwall, England's sustainable traditions: A Bio-Diversity and Ecological Research Hub

VisitBritain has set out its priorities to aid the recovery of both domestic and international tourism, including rebuilding a more resilient, sustainable and accessible industry supporting the UK Government's ambitions set out in the Tourism Recovery Plan. Its recently published Sustainable Tourism discussion paper sets out its approach, from championing regional dispersal and low carbon transport, sharing resources and best practice with businesses to working with the trade on itineraries that support sustainable and responsible tourism. 

COP26 is the next in a series of major events to be held in Britain. Next year, significant global tourism draws will include HM The Queen's Platinum Jubilee and 'UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK' 2022 - promoting the UK's creativity and innovation to the world.

Tourism is a critical industry for the UK, usually worth £127 billion annually to the economy. VisitBritain continues to work with the industry to spread the economic and social benefits of tourism more widely, driving visits right across the year and across the nations and regions, supporting local economies.

Press contacts:

• Julia Gordin, VisitBritain Senior Communications Manager, USA
  M: 347.598.4046; E: [email protected]
• Erica Roney, VisitBritain Communications Manager, USA
  M: 646.988.9105; E: [email protected]

SOURCE VisitBritain