About

Summary 

Going green is a key action to help businesses to meet global net zero targets, save their business money and build their reputation. For local tour operators in developing countries seeking new business from European buyers, adopting environmentally practices and operating a business in a way that shows it minimises impact on the environment is essential to be competitive. 

Part of a long-standing project with the the CBI, the Netherlands Enterprise Centre, Acorn Tourism was commissioned to produce a detailed business guide to help SMEs in Africa, Asia and Latin America Go Green. This guide adds to extensive series of product development business guides to support SMEs in developing countries to enter the European market for tourism.  

Our Approach

Acorn Tourism’s research provided a comprehensive look into the market for green business activities and outlined the broad environmental impact of tourism including the carbon footprint of the global tourism industry. The study uncovering the biggest opportunities of going green compared to the risks faced by businesses who don’t implement green activities.  The practice of greenwashing was explained to help SMEs avoid these practices which not only have a negative impact on the planet, but can also harm their reputation. 

The study provided a number of practical low-cost tips and ideas for going green and enhanced the need for continual measuring and monitoring activities to ensure impacts are reduced at all times. Several best practice examples of green tourism practiced by tourism businesses all over the world were profiled to give the report context. Finally, support to secure funding and partners was collated, along with profiles of green technologies, all designed to help businesses build their knowledge in the green arena. 

Outcome

Acorn Tourism’s guide to help local tour operators all over the world to embed green activities into their businesses delivered a comprehensive report to help them be competitive in the marketplace.