24 February 2011 – Keith Taylor, the Green MEP for Hampshire and the South East, will be visiting the New Forest today to meet with key players in green tourism. Keith is a member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism and is keen to promote and support green tourism across his South East constituency.

Keith will be given a tour of the New Forest Centre which is a member of the green tourism scheme, Green Leaf. During the day Keith will meet with the New Forest National Park Authority, tourism officers from the New Forest District Council and Tourism South East. He will also sample some local produce at the Montagu Arms Hotel in Beaulieu.

Keith says: “I’d like our region to lead the way in sustainable tourism. There’s already some great things happening in the New Forest, supported by the work of the New Forest District Council. I’m keen to explore how the New Forest can be used as an example to inspire other parts of the region to invest in, and support, green tourism.

“Tourist destinations should be encouraged to take positive action to reduce their impact on the environment by improving energy and water efficiency, introducing better waste management, using local produce and supporting public transport. This would create an enjoyable experience for visitors and reduce the adverse impact that tourism can have on our environment.”

The South East has the country’s biggest concentration of tourism businesses and tourism in the New Forest creates over 7980 jobs in the forest and generates nearly £400 million in tourism expenditure. In competition with countries from around the globe, the New Forest was recognised for its work in green tourism when it swept the board at the internationally recognised Responsible Tourism Awards in 2007.

Keith’s visit is part of a two day visit to the Isle of Wight and Hampshire. The trip, which takes place in half term week, is focused on green tourism.

ENDS