Transcript Rural Tourism in Latvia

Eco-label in rural tourism –
a sign for environmental and
service quality!
Agnese Jakovica
Latvian Country Tourism Association
Latvian Country Tourism
Association
Project
“Development of the criteria for the “Green
Certificate”, implementation and control in
rural areas and small towns in Latvia
The project is co-financed by:
Project partner:
Implementing authority:
Project duration:
EC LIFE programme
Latvian Environment Protection Fund
Ministry of Environmental Protection and
Regional Development of Latvia
Latvian Country Tourism Association
01.10.2001 - 30.09.2004
What is the
“Green Certificate”?
Eco-label assigned to:
Country houses
Vacation cottages
Guest houses
Camping
in the countryside and small towns of Latvia.
Environment
Quality
+
Tourism
Service Quality
=
“Green Certificate”
Special project web site
http://eco.traveller.lv
Information for:
Tourists
Tourism
Press
providers
Why do we need the
“Green Certificate”?

Improvement of tourism provider awareness

Tourist education

Marketing
“Green Certificate”
advantages for rural tourism providers
Brand name recognition
More tourists?
Education
Reduction of costs?
Marketing
Publications
Publication series
“Green Holidays”
Catalogue
Marketing in Internet
Web site of the Association
www.traveller.lv
“Green Certificate”
advantages for tourists
Recognition
Guarantee
of specific services
of high quality
Contribution
to sustainable
tourism development
Project activities




Implementation of the “Green Certificate”
Development of environmental control system
Demonstration vacation properties
Promotion of the “green” idea
Project activities
Training materials for tourism providers





“Biological diversity and its preservation”
“Nature friendly tourist activities”
“Environment friendly building and furnishing materials in
rural tourism”
“Sustainable use of natural resources – hints for rural tourism
providers”
“Latvian festivities and traditions in rural tourism offer”
Expected results



Environmental results - awareness, reduction and
control
Economical results reduction of costs, preservation
and local development
Recognition by tourists and providers
Problems in eco-labelling
process

Co-operation between tourism providers and tourists

Co-operation between tourism and environmental specialists

Balance between environmental and tourism service quality

International co-operation – internationaly comparable criteria