We are pleased to report that we have retained our Green Tourism Gold Award status for the third consecutive year at very high pass rates in all categories.
We have introduced new green initiatives over the past year which have ensured that we’ve been able to maintain the highest ratings of all aspects relating to our sustainability. We are especially proud of the increase of pass rates in our goals for the “planet” category. As a cruise business, this category is our biggest challenge, but we are definitely making a big difference because of finding innovate ways of addressing this important area. Our report identified that:
Energy improved from 88% to 90%
Water improved from 83% to 93%
Waste improved from 70% to 78%
Carbon improved from 68% to 73%
We encourage our guests to actively participate in our environmental protection efforts by indicating how they can support the environment while visiting the area and on board our cruises. We achieved a 98% rating under the “destination” criteria in providing information to guests on how they can reduce the impact of their visit and respect the cultural heritage of the destination.
Our Green Initiative Crew Member, Lynsey has provided us with her checklist on areas where she feels we can still improve on, while all our crews continuously look for new and innovative ways to improve and maintain our green credentials. These new initiatives include installing lithium batteries with a bluetooth monitoring system which will monitor each battery and its capacity levels. We will also install a water maker on Elizabeth G and a new A+ energy rated oven aboard Emma Jane. Each year, our new identified actions are an investment in our aim to be a truly sustainable tourism company.
Andrea Nicholas, CEO Green Tourism said: “Hebrides Cruises has done a fantastic job in retaining their Gold Green Tourism award and improving their overall score. The team has done an excellent job in maintaining and improving their efforts towards sustainable tourism and engaging guests in the company's green commitment.”
Our trip exceeded all expectations and took us on an incredible journey around the Islands and ultimately the voyage to St. Kilda…….a once in a life-time experience! The knowledge and capability of the crew, along with their personal interaction and dedication, enhanced everything we did from our daily travel routine, land, sea and wildlife exploration to our cabin comforts and the absolutely delicious food we were graced with each day. Chris, our skipper, Lynsey, our wildlife and daily excursion leader, Greig our culinary artistic expert and Bea who looked after us all so well throughout. Thanks to you all for making our trip such a memorable one. X
Kim and Ian Somerville: 3 July 2023St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides