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Network on LinkedInNew York launches green hotel certification program
Read more about: Green Hotel Certification, green hotels, Green Lodging Program, green tourism, hospitality, jobs, marketing, New York, New York City, sustainable tourism
As part of a large initiative to support sustainable tourism in New York, a new program to officially certify hotels and other types of travel-lodging as being “green” throughout the state has finally gone into practice.
Being a native New Yorker, I am always excited to promote green initiatives that positively impact close to home.
As part of a large initiative to support sustainable tourism in New York, a new program to officially certify hotels and other types of travel-lodging as being “green” throughout the state has finally gone into practice.
New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has already initiated the program with the induction of 43 hotels and inns for their eco-friendly, sustainable practices, including energy efficiency, environmental management, pollution prevention and resource conservation.
The new certification program places a large emphasis on the state’s diverse natural resources as tourism destinations, connecting travelers to green businesses and assisting New York’s tourism businesses to “go green,” while allowing hoteliers to focus on saving energy, trimming waste disposal, using water efficiently and conserving resources – all while effectively improving their bottom line.
The New York State Green Hospitality and Tourism Partnership – a combination of state agencies, business associations, and academia – joined forces to initiate the certification program. Green credentials are certified by the Audubon GreenLeaf program. Based on environmental performance, a hotel could be assigned one to five green leaves.
“Green tourism is good for our economy and good for our environment,” said NY Governor David A. Paterson. “The new Green Lodging Certification program will certify and assist New York’s hoteliers in the transition to environmental sustainability, helping them remain competitive and protect our environment at the same time. I am pleased that New York will soon have 43 new green hotels, providing travelers with green lodging options while they enjoy all of the natural beauty and tourism opportunities that New York has to offer.”
Acording to DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis, any hotel or inn can participate in the program.
“The Green Lodging program recognizes hoteliers’ environmental best practices,” said Grannis. “Whether they have been incorporating green practices for years or are just starting out, hotels and inns of any size can participate in this program. Technical support and marketing assistance are available to help them. The bottom line is that environmentally sound management practices lead to greater profitability, keeping New York’s businesses competitive and saving jobs.”
Making good business sense
“Tourism is a vital and growing component of New York State’s economy as visitors and residents enjoy all this great state has to offer,” said Empire State Development Corp. chairman and CEO designate Dennis M. Mullen. “The Green Lodging program will take it a step further. By promoting sustainable tourism, we are helping to keep the industry ahead of the curve, ultimately saving money and jobs, while protecting our most valuable resources and securing a healthier, more environmentally friendly future—a true win-win for everyone.”
“The New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association is excited to be a part of Governor Paterson’s statewide program to assist hoteliers in obtaining green certification,” said Association president Daniel C. Murphy. “I know that the partnerships that will be formed between our hoteliers and Audubon GreenLeaf during this project will have a long-lasting impact on New York State’s green movement and serve as a shining example for how New York State hotels can become more environmentally friendly.”
“Every person, every organization, and every community—from New York City to the High Peaks to the Finger Lakes—has a role to play in fostering a more sustainable future and a healthier natural environment,” said Kevin Fletcher, executive director of Audubon International. “We’re proud to be helping the hotel and lodging sector throughout New York State play its role to become better stewards of the environment.”
“The Green Lodging Certification program will assist hotels and motels in reducing their environmental footprint, decrease overhead costs and improve their overall competitiveness,” said Anahita Williamson, director of the NYS P2I. “P2I is proud to assist the DEC in this effort, which will ultimately enhance New York’s hotel industry, reduce pollution and improve environmental quality throughout the state.”
For more information, visit www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/58045.html.
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Joe is a full time web designer, developer and marketing guy working in the online travel technology marketplace. TerraCurve.com is his personal project - an avenue of creativity that combines his beliefs in social responsibility with both professional and personal experience.
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Pingback by Tweets that mention New York launches green hotel certification program : TerraCurve.com: Go beyond green. | Responsible travel news, places, people and events. -- Topsy.com on September 28th, 2009:
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by RezHubDotCom and Green Travel News. Green Travel News said: #GTFeeds : New York launches green hotel certification program http://bit.ly/vjapz [...]
Comment by karma2009 on September 28th, 2009:
…Indomitable spirits of the Himalayas…
For the centuries the highest mountains in the world have hidden a tiny jewel, the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan. Come to Bhutan; explore with us this mystical country. You will find it one of the last pristine places on earth –a place of unspoiled natural beauty and heartwarming hospitality. Until 1999, there was no TV or internet! Our Dragon adventure team will make your trip to the land of Thunder Dragon exciting, intriguing and fun.
Travel Information for the Visitors to Bhutan.
Bhutan maintains a policy of restricted number of tourists which enable us to earn the foreign currency that our country requires for careful development programmes but also maintains a level which minimize effect to the natural environment and cultural. Visitors are encouraged to come in packages organized by Bhutanese tour operators such as Bhutan Dragon Adventures. The package tour includes all the meals, accommodations, local transportation. Tour guides and entry fees for monuments and museums.
Entry to Bhutan:
Bhutan can be entered either by Air (Druk Air line) or by over land. The national airline flies from Bangkok, Delhi, Dacca, Kathmandu, and Kolkata. Entry by land is from India through the states if West Bengal that shares a border with Bhutan’s border town Phuntsholing in Southwest.
Note: Air fares, Bhutan Visa fees, Tourism Development Fund (TDF), Medical costs, Alcohol beverages and Insurances are to be borne by the visitors.
Discovering of Bhutan and services we offers.
We are always motivated to provide our best services to make you feel at home. We take great care and delivering our services so that you will have wonderful stay with us. We are passionate about travel and committed in making you stay in Bhutan memorable and special, as such we are specialize in and arrange the following trips.
~ Bhutan General Cultural tours
~ Bhutan Festival tours
~ Bhutan Textile tours
~ Bhutan Photography tours
~ Filming tours
~ Trekking tours
~ Multi-sport Adventure trips
~ Flora and Fauna tours and many more within Bhutan.
We also provide personalized services catering to you individual need. We are very happy that you have spent your time to read of hers and we look forward to welcoming you to Bhutan for an unforgettable visit to this magic kingdom hidden in the Himalayas. For more travel information on Bhutan visit us at : http://www.go2bhutan.com
Trekking between unclimbed peaks.
Trekking in Bhutan is a unique experience unlike many of the more crowded treks offered in Asia. The variety of treks range from a simple three- day trek from the district of the Thimphu to Paro to the 28 days legendary Snowmen trek that takes veteran trekkers through some of the most exquite sports in the country. The Snowmen trek is also labeled the world’s toughest trek as it goes over 12- 14 mountains passes all of them over 4,500m -5, 000m.
Camping equipment, kitchen implements, food, are carried by packed animals. Porters are rather unusual in Bhutan with loads usually carted by horses or higher region by Yaks. For the walkers are most appropriate trekking times are mid March and mid September to beginning of November. There are how ever also trekking routes that are better suited the summer or winter.
Culture.
Culturally this country has no parallel. For many centuries the Himalaya isolated Bhutan so that its language, society and social customs developed with little external influence. The culture based purely on Buddhist philosophy. It is neither borrowed nor made in recent years, the roots of its existence are as old the existence of the land and people themselves. Nowhere is this better witness than in the Tshechu rituals. These festivals reenact Bhutanese history and religious lesions for successive generations, while providing great community enjoyment.
The people of Bhutan still live a primarily agrarian life. The country is largely populated by the three ethnic groups. In the Eastern areas, Sharchops predominate and are believed to be the earliest inhabitants. In the West you will fined Naglops of Tibetan descent and in the South many Nepalese who began settling in Bhutan in the 1900’s. The Bhutanese are warm friendly, peace loving, hard working and enjoy a great sense of humor.
Bhutan Dragon Adventures is licensed by Tourism Council of Bhutan under Ministry of Economic Affairs and is operated by the group of committed staff. We are always looking forward to offer you a great opportunity to explore our unexplored Buddhist country.
Our Postal Address.
Bhutan Dragon Adventures
P.O Box No. 304.
Thimphu, Bhutan
Email: dragonadventures@druknet.bt
http://www.go2bhutan.com
Comment by karma2009 on September 29th, 2009:
…Indomitable spirits of the Himalayas…
For the centuries the highest mountains in the world have hidden a tiny jewel, the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan. Come to Bhutan; explore with us this mystical country. You will find it one of the last pristine places on earth –a place of unspoiled natural beauty and heartwarming hospitality. Until 1999, there was no TV or internet! Our Dragon adventure team will make your trip to the land of Thunder Dragon exciting, intriguing and fun.
Travel Information for the Visitors to Bhutan.
Bhutan maintains a policy of restricted number of tourists which enable us to earn the foreign currency that our country requires for careful development programmes but also maintains a level which minimize effect to the natural environment and cultural. Visitors are encouraged to come in packages organized by Bhutanese tour operators such as Bhutan Dragon Adventures. The package tour includes all the meals, accommodations, local transportation. Tour guides and entry fees for monuments and museums.
Entry to Bhutan:
Bhutan can be entered either by Air (Druk Air line) or by over land. The national airline flies from Bangkok, Delhi, Dacca, Kathmandu, and Kolkata. Entry by land is from India through the states if West Bengal that shares a border with Bhutan’s border town Phuntsholing in Southwest.
Note: Air fares, Bhutan Visa fees, Tourism Development Fund (TDF), Medical costs, Alcohol beverages and Insurances are to be borne by the visitors.
Discovering of Bhutan and services we offers.
We are always motivated to provide our best services to make you feel at home. We take great care and delivering our services so that you will have wonderful stay with us. We are passionate about travel and committed in making you stay in Bhutan memorable and special, as such we are specialize in and arrange the following trips.
~ Bhutan General Cultural tours
~ Bhutan Festival tours
~ Bhutan Textile tours
~ Bhutan Photography tours
~ Filming tours
~ Trekking tours
~ Multi-sport Adventure trips
~ Flora and Fauna tours and many more within Bhutan.
We also provide personalized services catering to you individual need. We are very happy that you have spent your time to read of hers and we look forward to welcoming you to Bhutan for an unforgettable visit to this magic kingdom hidden in the Himalayas. For more travel information on Bhutan visit us at : http://www.go2bhutan.com
Trekking between unclimbed peaks.
Trekking in Bhutan is a unique experience unlike many of the more crowded treks offered in Asia. The variety of treks range from a simple three- day trek from the district of the Thimphu to Paro to the 28 days legendary Snowmen trek that takes veteran trekkers through some of the most exquite sports in the country. The Snowmen trek is also labeled the world’s toughest trek as it goes over 12- 14 mountains passes all of them over 4,500m -5, 000m.
Camping equipment, kitchen implements, food, are carried by packed animals. Porters are rather unusual in Bhutan with loads usually carted by horses or higher region by Yaks. For the walkers are most appropriate trekking times are mid March and mid September to beginning of November. There are how ever also trekking routes that are better suited the summer or winter.
Culture.
Culturally this country has no parallel. For many centuries the Himalaya isolated Bhutan so that its language, society and social customs developed with little external influence. The culture based purely on Buddhist philosophy. It is neither borrowed nor made in recent years, the roots of its existence are as old the existence of the land and people themselves. Nowhere is this better witness than in the Tshechu rituals. These festivals reenact Bhutanese history and religious lesions for successive generations, while providing great community enjoyment.
The people of Bhutan still live a primarily agrarian life. The country is largely populated by the three ethnic groups. In the Eastern areas, Sharchops predominate and are believed to be the earliest inhabitants. In the West you will fined Naglops of Tibetan descent and in the South many Nepalese who began settling in Bhutan in the 1900’s. The Bhutanese are warm friendly, peace loving, hard working and enjoy a great sense of humor.
Bhutan Dragon Adventures is licensed by Tourism Council of Bhutan under Ministry of Economic Affairs and is operated by the group of committed staff. We are always looking forward to offer you a great opportunity to explore our unexplored Buddhist country.
Our Postal Address.
Bhutan Dragon Adventures
P.O Box No. 304.
Thimphu, Bhutan
Email: dragonadventures@druknet.bt
http://www.go2bhutan.com