The shortlist for the GoldStar Awards, presented by the Green Tourism Business Scheme to recognise its highest achievers over the last 12 months, has been revealed, highlighting Cornwall as being the UK’s leading county for green tourism.
A total of eight GoldStar Awards will be presented to those companies who have demonstrated the highest levels of green ambassadorship, innovation and cost savings over the last year and of the 53 companies shortlisted, ten are from Cornwall.
With diverse green credentials, Cornwall is represented in the majority of accommodation categories from hotel to campsite and dominates the ‘B&B and Guest House’ category taking almost half of all the shortlisted positions.
Chris Searle of The Old Rectory in Boscastle which is among the Cornish businesses jostling for space in the shortlist, said: “We are delighted that our longstanding efforts in sustainable tourism have been recognised. We make the business as self sufficient as possible by keeping pigs, sheep, hens, ducks and bees, and growing most of the fruit and vegetables that we use in guests breakfasts and evening meals ourselves.
“We also have a solar system that powers the house and exports to the grid. Knowing that what we do helps the environment is reward enough but to be shortlisted is a lovely pat on the back.”
Malcolm Bell, Head of VisitCornwall, added: “Cornwall has an amazing natural environment and I think that it is this which inspires Cornish businesses to consider their impact on the environment and take extra steps to be eco. The shortlisted companies are green ambassadors and an example to others, I am proud that so many of them are Cornish.”
Other Cornish establishments on the shortlist include Organic Panda B&B, Pendragon Country House, Rezare Farmhouse B&B, Camping Caradon Touring Park, Bedruthan Steps Hotel, Scarlet Hotel, The Greenbank Hotel, Merlin Farm Eco Cottages, and Bedknobs B&B in Bodmin.
The awards will be announced at a ceremony to be held in Edinburgh on Friday, 25 May.
