Inverness features in Green Guide created by LNER

INVERNESS attractions feature in the latest edition of a guide for sustainable tourism created by a UK rail operator.

The Green Guide created by LNER (London North Eastern Railway) aims highlight more sustainable options for visitors along the East Coast train route.

Dolphin Spirit, An Talla by Loch Ness, Walking Tours In Inverness and the River Ness and Ness Islands feature in the guide among other attractions and hospitality venues.

Speaking about the research and the inclusion of Inverness in LNER’s Green Guide, Michael Golding, CEO of Visit Inverness Loch Ness, said: “It is great to see so many places to stay, eat and visit in Inverness included in this Green Guide. As a Tourism Business Improvement District, we and all our members appreciate the importance of sustainable travel and are working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and encourage positive behaviour change as we aim to create a sustainable destination.”

David Horne, managing director at LNER, added: “This summer is set to be huge for domestic travel, so we’re delighted to be launching the second version of our popular Green Guide to help people wanting to make more responsible travel choices. Our research shows half of British adults want to learn more about how to be a sustainable traveller, so the Green Guide is aimed at providing a wide range of inspiration on how to do this on the LNER route.

“Whether it’s Lincoln Cathedral with its exterior recently revealed after nearly 40 years, or the Highland Food and Drink Trail in Inverness, we’re seeing people from all around the world flocking to our destinations to seek out increasingly popular local experiences. This is becoming very important to the kind of traveller who wants to spend their money on authentic regional experiences, as well as taking the time to use the journey to switch off.”

The Green Guide has been launched on the back of research conducted by LNER which shows that 25 per cent of adults prioritise their mode of travelling to and around their holiday destinations, giving priority to those that are better for the environment. According to LNER, other highlights from the research include:

• 45 per cent of people plan their trips specifically around being able to enjoy local experiences
• 44 per cent prioritise being able to eat and drink local produce when it comes to booking a trip
• Around half (48 per cent) want to find hidden ‘local gems’ when visiting a new place
• 51 per cent feel it’s important to visit local independent shops, rather than chain shops
• 1 in 10 actively seek out eco-friendly accommodation when travelling

LNER’s Green Guide has been curated using tips and advice from LNER colleagues local to the destinations as well as with support from Visit Harrogate, Visit Inverness Loch Ness and Visit Lincolnshire. The Guide is available on www.lner.co.uk/greenguides as well as in LNER’s travel centres at stations along the East Coast route.

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