www.ecofriendlytourist.com has launched a new independent guide to eco-friendly places to stay in the UK, with details of thousands of rooms in hotels, hostels, guest houses, self-catering and bed and breakfast accommodation throughout the UK.
The new guide is the brainchild of former TV producer Eric Rowan and will expand month by month aiming to become the best of its kind on the web.  He believes it meets a growing need and claims it boasts a unique set of features: better information; entries listed free of charge to boost trust; and the chance to find a good deal.

“However green you are,” says Eric Rowan, “when you are choosing where to stay you don’t only want to know how eco-friendly it is.  People also look for personality, style and charm.”

So the guide divides each comprehensive listing into two parts, details of its eco-friendly credentials plus a descriptive overview of what the place is like.  It is easy to use and every listing is no more than two clicks away from the Home page.

“It is vital for consumers to be able to trust the guide” says Rowan, “so all the listings are free, unlike some other sites.  No-one pays to be included, even though a few have asked.  The listings are based on our own journalistic research plus recommendations by other writers, hoteliers and guests.  We have personally visited some places to discuss their environmental policies and practices and to tour the premises but we don’t describe these visits as inspections.”

The guide also offers visitors the chance to compare prices.  There are direct links to each accommodation provider’s own website so users can book directly or, where possible, through links to alternative web based booking services.  “Going green should not mean missing out on the best deal,” says Rowan.

Some of the links are to sites that ecofriendlytourist.com is affiliated with.  This means if visitors click through or make a purchase from them it might receive a fee or commission.  Affiliate links are clearly identified.  “Any link or other information is only included if we believe it is useful and reliable” says Eric Rowan, “not whether we are paid.”

ecofriendlytourist.com was set up to help beat climate change.  It also includes ideas and information about places to go and how to get there along with monthly news stories and features.  This month the site reviews a book on how to live a low carbon life and previews the ITV series “Britain’s Favourite View” in which stars champion their favourite vistas - and suggests that rather than just watching the programmes viewers go and see these spectacular places for themselves.

“Unlike many green sites” says Eric Rowan, “we don’t nag and we don’t preach.  We want our visitors to enjoy guilt free holidays and be inspired.”

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