We’re delighted to have once again been awarded Gold by Green Tourism, the world-leading sustainability accreditation programme.
Green Tourism assessed us against 15 sustainability criteria, grouped under the three pillars of People, Places and Planet. These look at the social, economic and environmental actions we take across Jacobite, providing a holistic assessment of our sustainability performance.
Gold is the highest award available within the Green Tourism accreditation system and recognises businesses that work responsibly, ethically and sustainably; contribute to their communities; reduce their impact on the environment; and are accessible and inclusive to visitors and staff.
Commenting on the award, Alison Daun, Managing Director of Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises, said:
“We are thrilled to have been awarded a Gold Green Tourism Award again! Being a cruise business, it can be challenging to meet the high sustainability standards we and Green Tourism strive for, so to be awarded Gold in our assessment is really satisfying and shows we are doing the right things.
“In particular, a big thank you must go to our Visitor Experience and Sustainability Manager, Ranald Fettes, who has dedicated so much of his time to ensuring that our business is as sustainable as possible and for compiling the details required for the Green Tourism assessment.”
Our work includes increasing sustainability awareness among both our team and visitors, with a particular focus on rewilding, biodiversity, accessibility and responsible tourism. We’re also working with other tour operators and local attractions to help spread out bookings, reducing pressure on local roads and facilities.
Of the businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry that apply for Green Tourism’s third-party verification, around one-third achieve Gold, one-third Silver and one-third Bronze.
Euan Haggart, Environment and Sustainability Assessor at Green Tourism, added:
“Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises has attained the Green Tourism Gold Award, recognising its commitment to running its business in a sustainable way. Not only does it have first class sustainable actions and projects in place, but the business is also looking ahead to identify further actions it can undertake to reinforce its already excellent approach to operating the business.
“The team's local knowledge of the cultural and natural heritage of Loch Ness and the surrounding areas is second to none, complemented by its fantastic approach to customer care and safety. Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises is incredibly deserving of the Gold Award, and we look forward to seeing its sustainability journey develop even further in the future.”