1. Eco-label in rural tourism – a sign for environmental and service quality! Agnese Jakovica Latvian Country Tourism Association

3. Project “Development of the criteria for the “Green Certificate”, implementation and control in rural areas and small towns in Latvia The project is co-financed by: EC LIFE programme Latvian Environment Protection Fund Project partner:Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of Latvia Implementing authority: Latvian Country Tourism Association Project duration:01.10.2001 - 30.09.2004

4. What is the “Green Certificate”? Environment Quality + Tourism Service Quality “Green Certificate” = Eco-label assigned to:Country houses Vacation cottages Guest houses Camping in the countryside and small towns of Latvia.

5. Special project web site http://eco.traveller.lv Information for:  Tourists  Tourism providers  Press

6. Why do we need the “Green Certificate”?  Improvement of tourism provider awareness  Tourist education  Marketing

7. “Green Certificate” advantages for rural tourism providers Brand name recognition More tourists? Education Reduction of costs?

8. Marketing Publications Publication series “Green Holidays” Catalogue

9. Marketing in Internet Web site of the Association www.traveller.lv

10. “Green Certificate” advantages for tourists  Recognition of specific services  Guarantee of high quality  Contribution to sustainable tourism development

11. Project activities  Implementation of the “Green Certificate”  Development of environmental control system  Demonstration vacation properties  Promotion of the “green” idea

12. Project activities Training materials for tourism providers  “Biological diversity and its preservation”  “Nature friendly tourist activities”  “Environment friendly building and furnishing materials in rural tourism”  “Sustainable use of natural resources – hints for rural tourism providers”  “Latvian festivities and traditions in rural tourism offer”

13. Expected results  Environmental results -awareness, reduction and control  Economical results -reduction of costs, preservation and local development  Recognition -by tourists and providers

14. Problems in eco-labelling process  Co-operation between tourism providers and tourists  Co-operation between tourism and environmental specialists  Balance between environmental and tourism service quality  International co-operation – internationaly comparable criteria