MEDIA CONTACTS:
Danielle Johnson, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
608-266-0458; djohnson@TravelWisconsin.com
Lisa Marshall, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
608-267-3773; lmarshall@TravelWisconsin.com
Growing membership, new enhancements, and environmental benefits positively impact Wisconsin’s natural resources
MADISON, Wis. (Oct. 9, 2012) — Travel Green Wisconsin (TGW) celebrates its fifth birthday this year with a growing membership and a strong focus on the marketing and environmental benefits that come from green travel. Over the last year, the program has introduced a variety of enhancements and forged new partnerships to ensure Travel Green Wisconsin achieves its mission of sustaining tourism and protecting the state’s resources.
“We are proud to be one of the first state tourism offices to develop a green certification program for its industry that has been used as a model for other states,” Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett said. “Protecting our natural resources, taking care of the bottom line of our businesses and providing the green practices travelers have come to expect is one of the best things we can do to make sure tourism in Wisconsin remains strong for generations.”
TGW serves as a model to promote environmentally-friendly practices in the tourism industry. The program is unique for its inclusion of all tourism-related businesses and organizations including but not limited to attractions, events, accommodations, outfitters, restaurants, retail, visitor centers, nonprofits and more.
Enhancing the Program to Encourage Growth
Growing membership in the TGW certification program is important as it means more options for visitors and shows the state’s commitment to green travel. More new members have joined the green ranks in 2012 than any other year, with membership now topping 345 businesses, organizations and events. A new certification fee structure was adopted in 2012 to keep application costs down. It’s only $95 for all new applicants, regardless of size or number of employees, to apply for certification good for two years. Renewals occur every other year for a flat fee of $75. It’s now less than $50 a year to participate in the certification program.
The Department continues to refine and streamline the application process, using industry and membership feedback as a guide. New online certification and renewal applications keep with the program’s mission of reducing paper waste and increasing efficiencies, while making it easier for the industry to apply.
According to a recent study of TGW members in Door County and Bayfield, 67 percent of those surveyed felt their business receives increased exposure to customers from participation in Travel Green Wisconsin. Efforts over the last year including a digital ad campaign have improved both marketing and environmental benefits for our state and industry.
Establishing Partnerships
TGW has forged partnerships and mutual certifications with state agencies and programs that share common goals. Marinas that are designated “Clean Marinas” through a Department of Administration Coastal Management initiative can achieve certification in TGW through a streamlined application that combines both program goals; the Green Masters Program through the University of Wisconsin complements and helps educate on TGW certification while TGW allows an opportunity to gain points for Green Masters participation.
TGW teamed up with the Department of Natural Resources to achieve a goal of certifying all Wisconsin state parks by 2013. Currently 63 of the state parks, forests and trails have attained their TGW certification. In addition, TGW applicants can now receive a point on their application for contributions to the Endangered Resources fund.
ROI for the state’s resources
To measure the success of the program, the Department commissioned a study of members in Bayfield and Door County to measure how green practices stack up by saving energy, water, waste and money. Here are a few of the findings:
* By installing low-flow water fixtures, such as shower and sink faucets, members reduced their annual water use by over 1.6 million gallons or more than 15 million water bottles. Stacked end-to-end, the bottles would stretch from Green Bay to Las Vegas.
* Members in Door County and Bayfield saved over $81,000 in annual energy costs by implementing energy-saving practices.
* Due to waste reduction practices, members reduced their landfill use and recycled enough material to fill over 7,300 32-gallon trash cans. Stacked end-to end, that’s over 13 times the height of the Empire State Building.
Learn More
TGW program manager Shelly Allness is conducting workshops around the state this fall to answer questions about certification, membership benefits and application procedures. To schedule a TGW workshop or presentation in your area or to discuss certification for your business, organization or event, contact Shelly Allness at mallness@travelwisconsin.com or 608-261-8767.
About Travel Green Wisconsin
The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to market the state as the Midwest’s premier travel destination by executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships. The Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact and jobs for Wisconsin. The portal for traveler information can be found at http://www.travelwisconsin.com.
