GALENA, ILL.—The City of Galena, Ill., already a leader in green practices as a municipality, now features lodging properties that are earning green badges by meeting criteria set forth by the Galena Area Green Designation Committee. Since the program was launched two weeks ago, eight Galena hotels and bed and breakfasts have completed applications indicating their desire to reduce waste, improve efficiencies and meet certain requirements to earn the designation.
Once officially approved, those eight will be able to market themselves as green lodging properties to help visitors seeking green destinations while improving the environment and enjoying the cost savings of green practices.
“This committee first gathered one year ago to begin creating a program that was achievable but meaningful,” said VisitGalena President & CEO Chris Hamilton while recognizing the first eight applicants last week. “Having so many jump at the chance to join the movement so quickly indicates a desire in our hospitality industry to provide not only great service to our visitors but also to provide that service with a conscience.”
Most Participants Are Smaller Properties
The first properties are Aldrich Guest House, Allen’s Log Cabin Guest House, Annie Wiggins Guest House, Belle Aire Mansion Guest House, Hawk Valley Retreat and Cottages, Jail Hill Inn, Ramada Galena and Alice’s Snyder House Bed & Breakfast.
The Committee includes lodging and government representatives and the designation will be promoted on VisitGalena.org and by other methods to showcase qualifying properties to green travelers who choose lodging that take noticeable steps to preserve the environment.
The program mirrors an existing TripAdvisor program and properties that want the designation have to meet a series of requirements, some of which are mandatory.
The program will include educational opportunities and materials for the properties to use in their own marketing campaigns and, eventually, the program will be tailored to fit other businesses in the Galena area.
For more information about the Galena Area Green Designation Committee or its programs, e-mail chamilton@visitgalena.org or call (815) 776-9200. For more information about VisitGalena, go to www.VisitGalena.org, e-mail galena@visitgalena.org, or call (815) 776-9200.
