Project AGORA – Sustainable Tourism Development in the Baltic Sea Region

www.agora-tourism.net

Project partner 2nd meeting: • Time: June 14-17, 2006 • Venue: SPA un konference hotel Jurmala • Working language: EN •Programme: June 14: seminar “On Impact A and Spatial Planning for Tourism” June 15: open for public: - project progress and achievements - rural tourism, farm toruism, ecotourism, European rural tourism – trends and perspectives •Information: http://www.agora-tourism.net/documents/secondmeeting.htm

Projec AGORA – improvement of RT criteria (2005. - 2007.)

Sustainability criteria included in RT quality scheme: • Maintain RT resources (nature, clean environment, healthy food, rural ambience) • Maintain individual character of RT, prevent from becoming a mass tourism product Target: long-term competitiveness

Sustainability and RT marketing The message of RT criteria:

• Environment friendly • Nature friendly • Healthy • Traditionally Latvian

Leading to ecolables:

(if all the sustainability criteria met)

RT business can apply for:

European Centre for Eco and Agro tourism www.eceat.org

The Green Certificate www.eko.celotajs.lv

The Green Certificate – how to apply

1.

Application to the office of LC (application form and GC criteria requirements in www.kvalitate.celotajs.lv

or from the office of LC) or www.eko.celotajs.lv

2. Inspection visit, Decision by the Certification Commission, Awarding the Green Certificate

5.

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8.

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4.

1.

Sustainability criteria, affecting the category of quality

Environment friendly behaviour code exposed for guests in the house.

Locally produced foods offered to guests.

Environment and health friendly materials used in building.

The buildings are in harmony with the local landscape and local architectural traditions.

Disposable tableware not used. Waste management according to the local regulations. Cooperation with local producers of food, souvenirs, etc.

Self-assessment of environmental impact, improvement of environment protection measures.

See the criteria requirements http://www.celotajs.lv/cont/prof/quality/categories_lv.htm

RT Quality Scheme “Butterfly”

Inspection request and the description of the quality categories found in : www.kvalitate.celotajs.lv

Or in the Association’s office (Riga, Kuģu 11, tel. +371 7617600)