Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant in Wark, near Hexham, is helping to put Northumberland firmly on the international tourism map by winning the ‘Best Accommodation for the Environment’ category at this year’s Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards, organised by responsibletravel.com.

The judges said “Originally an 18th century farmhouse, this three-star hotel impressed the judges with its range of initiatives and achievements in the last six years. To name just a few: a biomass boiler fuelled by woodchip from a nearby sustainable forest and solar thermal panels providing all heating and hot water, a charging point for electrical vehicles, and enough rainwater collection to supply water for watering gardens and two polytunnels used to grow their own food!”

At a ceremony hosted at World Travel Market (WTM) in London, the awards were handed out by Justin Francis, managing director of responsibletravel.com, organiser and founder of the awards, and Amanda Wills, managing director of Virgin Holidays, headline sponsor of the awards.

Justin Francis, founder of The Responsible Tourism Awards and managing director of responsibletravel.com, said: "Right now it’s tough times for business – industries the world over are facing difficult questions from a public who want to know if business can be a force for good. Tourism is no exception, and thankfully our winners are on hand with the answers. Where travellers ask for authenticity, our winners are there with genuine experiences. Where destinations ask ‘what’s in it for me’, our winners share the benefits.”

Battlesteads beat off tough competition from around the globe, including the two other finalists in the category from Morocco and Kenya. Richard Slade commented: “International recognition for the work we do is not to be taken lightly so this award represents a significant milestone for us.

“I’m so proud of our team – they’ve gone through this steep learning curve with us over the last few years and, in some cases, this has meant changing the habits of a lifetime! Without exception, they’re all committed to doing their bit now and I am constantly encouraged by their enthusiasm and innovative ideas.

“Sustainability must become a way of life, not an exception. It’s crucial that we give more and take less – and the sooner we all realise this, the better.”

Amanda Wills, managing director of Virgin Holidays, headline sponsor of the swards said: “For the fifth year running, Virgin Holidays is honoured to be involved in celebrating the humbling and hugely inspiring winners of these awards. Everyone in the travel industry can and should learn from them and seek ways we can work together to make a meaningful and ongoing commitment to responsible travel. The example set by the winners shows that fairness in travel can be good for us, good for our customers and suppliers, and most of all good for the communities and destinations with which we work.”

Launched in 2004, the awards are run in association with partners World Travel Market, Metro Newspaper and Geographical Magazine.

For a full list of finalists, see www.responsibletourismawards.com

This year, travellers can read the winners’ inspiring stories as well as other news and holiday ideas in the world’s first app for green, responsible tourism: r:travel, in association with the South Australian Tourism Commission. Visit www.responsibletravel.com/awards/app (free of charge).

Our photo shows: L-R Richard Slade of Battlesteads, Virgin Holidays managing director Amanda Wills, Chris Lee of Tourism AuthorityThailand, and Justin Francis, managing director of responsibletravel.com

For further information on Battlesteads, please contact Michelle Luscombe at Progressive PR & Marketing on 07734 109200 or michelle@progressivepr.co.uk

For further information on responsbletravel.com, please contact Alex Lyons on (0)1273 648 519 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

Notes for editors

Richard and Dee Slade bought Battlesteads in 2005 and were driven to investigate sustainable solutions as a result of rural energy supply issues. They soon got the ‘green’ bug and have made huge advancements over the years, to the point that they’re now leading the field for sustainable tourism across the North of England.

Battlesteads has won countless awards for its top hospitality, superb food and outstanding green credentials. These include Best Green Pub and Great British Pub of the Year in 2010, Considerate Hotel of the Year 2010/11 and Silver in the EnjoyEngland Awards for Excellence 2011.

About The Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards

The Awards are the most competitive of their kind in the world and are a collaboration between online travel directory responsibletravel.com who founded and organise the Awards; UK media partners Metro Newspaper and Geographical Magazine, and World Travel Market who host the presentation event. The central tenet of the Awards is that all types of tourism - from niche to mainstream - can and should be operated in a way that respects and benefits destinations and local people.

About responsibletravel.com
responsibletravel.com is the world's leading company for responsible holidays. In 2011 the company celebrates its 10th birthday and has sold $100million worth of holidays since it launched. The site works with over 1,000 tourism suppliers to help market over 4,000 richer, deeper and more locally distinctive travel experiences that are better for destinations and local communities.

Whether you're after an action-packed adventure, a relaxing beach escape or a charming countryside getaway closer to home, there's something to suit all tastes and budgets.

Co-founder, Justin Francis launched the site with backing from Dame Anita Roddick in 2001 and since then has been included in Courvoisier’s The Future 500, Thames and Hudson’s 60 Innovators Shaping Our Creative Future and taken his place on the Advisory Board of The International Centre for Responsible Tourism at Leeds Metropolitan University. Based in Brighton, England, responsibletravel.com also campaigns for positive change in the travel and tourism industry.