A new drive to help Lake District tourism businesses be greener has been launched.

Business owners have been invited to talk to the experts about how they can create a better experience for their customers, and help the environment.

The initiative comes from Nurture Lakeland, the award-winning organisation helping people to care for Cumbria’s natural heritage through responsible tourism.

They are running festive drop-in advice sessions – with mince pies and coffee or tea – in Ambleside, Coniston and Keswick.

“Lake District visitors want to know how tourism businesses support local areas and look after local environments while creating better visitor experiences,” said Helen Moriarty, sustainable tourism advisor.

“We know many businesses owners actively care but they could be turning their actions into a marketing opportunity and customer benefit.”

Along with money-saving advice, the Nurture Lakeland team will also explain about the benefits of campaigns such as Drive Less See More, Love Your Lakes and Low Carbon Cottages.

And they will highlight the benefits all round of green accreditation schemes.

“For tourism to be successful and sustainable, it must strike a balance between short-term economic interests and the long-term health of the local environment and culture,” said Ms Moriarty.

“It’s about taking action to minimise the negative impacts of tourism while maximising the positive opportunities tourism can create for local economic, social and environmental causes.”

Many local businesses have already signed up by becoming a member of Nurture Lakeland, and to gain green accreditation awards.

Nevil Jeffery, general manager of Windermere’s Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel and Marina, said that holding the gold award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme had enhanced its business.

"It’s key for us as a green business. If we don't abide by the pledges we have made, we would lose business. It's essential now, to attract clients from leisure to business, and even more so for attracting and retaining conferences visitors, whom many insist on ‘green’ certification.”

He explained that it covered all aspects of hotel life, from the re-using of guest towels and provision of liquid soap rather than individual packaged soaps, to aerosol-free products, natural-based surface cleaners, and chlorine-free water treatment.

Nick Lancaster, director of resort operations at the Langdale Estate, said: “Caring for the environment is fundamental to our business. Our guests expect us to be responsible. And the landscape is so important to our livelihoods. Our businesses rely on the landscape - why would we not want to protect it?”

The sessions will be in Ambleside on Wednesday Dec 11 in Zeffirellis; in Keswick on Thursday Dec 12 at the Moot Hall; and in Coniston at the Blue Bird cafe on Friday Dec 13, all from 10-30 till 4.

Nurture Lakeland staff will provide individual tailored advice, and all visitors will be entered into a prize draw to win a Cumbrian Christmas hamper filled with goodies from Low Sizergh Barn and Growing Well.

Nurture Lakeland is a registered charity with nearly 300 business members representing more than 1200 tourism businesses and holiday cottage owners, from large hotel groups and small guest houses to cafes and retailers across Cumbria, all committed to protecting the area now and for the future.

Details of Nurture Lakeland’s help for businesses can be found at http://www.nurturelakeland.org/nl-sustainable-tourism/easy-steps.html