Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership (LCRDP) has achieved the internationally recognised Green Tourism Bronze accreditation, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to responsible and sustainable growth across the visitor economy.
The accreditation recognises LCRDP’s structured and destination-wide approach to sustainability, spanning governance and internal operations as well as how it works with and influences partners. It reflects the progress being made to embed environmental, social and economic responsibility into both organisational practice and the development of the wider visitor economy.
Rather than focusing on isolated initiatives, LCRDP undertook a comprehensive review of policies, working practices and external engagement, aligning its activity with Green Tourism’s sustainability framework. This process has helped bring sustainability into everyday decision-making and strengthened collaborative working across the Liverpool City Region.
Reflecting on the significance of the accreditation, Natalie Wyatt, Managing Director of Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership, said:
“Securing Green Tourism Bronze shows how LCRDP is choosing to operate as an organisation. This accreditation is not just a badge; it reflects our commitment to embedding responsible practice into our decision‑making, governance and day‑to‑day operations. As a Destination Partnership, sustainability must start with us. By aligning our own systems and ways of working with the standards we champion, we can credibly support partners across the visitor economy and ensure sustainability is designed into how Liverpool City Region is planned, promoted and developed for the long term.”
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
The accreditation comes at a pivotal time as LCRDP continues to position Liverpool City Region as a world‑class visitor destination. Securing Green Tourism certification demonstrates clear leadership and credibility in sustainability, reinforcing that responsible growth is a core principle guiding how the destination is promoted and developed.
A BALANCED APPROACH ACROSS PEOPLE, PLACE AND PLANET
As part of the assessment, LCRDP was reviewed against Green Tourism’s People, Place and Planet pillars. Recognition was given to its balanced approach, including commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, health and wellbeing, and encouraging partners to adopt more sustainable practices.
By embedding sustainability into destination marketing, business support and strategic initiatives, LCRDP helps ensure responsible thinking extends across the wider visitor economy, not just within its own organisation.
WHAT THE ACCREDITATION MEANS
For partners, stakeholders and communities, the certification provides assurance that LCRDP’s work is guided by recognised sustainability standards and focused on long-term impact.
Internally, assessment against Green Tourism’s 15 sustainability goals has strengthened a more holistic approach to sustainability, helping formalise good practice and identify areas for further improvement across governance, communications and partnership working.
LEARNING AND LOOKING AHEAD
Feedback from Green Tourism highlighted a strong foundation, a clear understanding of sustainability opportunities and challenges, and positive engagement with the accreditation process, alongside clear potential to progress to a higher award level.
LCRDP is now using Green Tourism’s action plan to guide next steps, including strengthening impact evidence, embedding sustainable choices into everyday working practices and continuing to build staff confidence and understanding. The organisation has a clear ambition to progress from Bronze to Silver certification over time.
ENCOURAGING THE VISITOR ECONOMY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP
LCRDP’s accreditation demonstrates that sustainability certification is achievable and valuable, regardless of organisation size or starting point. For visitor economy businesses across Liverpool City Region, the Green Tourism framework offers a practical route to strengthen responsible practice, boost credibility and contribute to a more sustainable destination.
Visitor economy businesses interested in beginning or progressing their sustainability journey can find out more by visiting the Green Tourism accreditation page HERE.
Find out more about LCRDP’s sustainability ambitions HERE.