Watergate Bay Hotel and SeaSpace have each been awarded Gold certification by Green Tourism, recognising their outstanding commitment to operating responsibly and reducing their environmental impact.
Created by the team behind Watergate Bay Hotel, SeaSpace brings a fresh kind of design-led hospitality to Porth, near Newquay, combining the flex and freedom of studios and apartments with a neighbourhood energy and the beach at its heart. That same considered approach extends to how SeaSpace operates, from onsite solar energy and partnerships with Cornish suppliers to recycling and measures to divert waste from landfill, while staying connected to and engaged with its local community.
At Watergate Bay Hotel, caring for the place that makes the experience so special is part of its purpose: to bring the joy of Watergate to everyone, now and for the future. Its approach is guided by three principles – circularity, conservation and community – brought to life through initiatives spanning renewable energy, responsible sourcing and waste reduction, helping the hotel give back to its unique beachside environment.
This year, the hotel has worked with Nurdle UK to tackle the build-up of nurdles and other microplastics on Watergate Bay beach. Over 80 litres of material was removed following a 3 day operation, and recent sand samples have seen a 97% reduction in microplastics since the clean-up started (Before the clean-up: 25.45g per m². After the clean-up: 0.8g per m²).
Although the two destinations have distinct identities and guest experiences, they share a commitment to supporting their communities and protecting the surrounding coastal environment.
Gold is Green Tourism’s highest level of certification. It is awarded following an independent assessment of a business’s actions across 15 sustainability goals covering people, places and the planet.
Helen Bishop, Group head of sustainability and engagement for Watergate Bay Hotel and SeaSpace said:
“We’re incredibly proud that Watergate Bay Hotel and SeaSpace have both achieved the Green Tourism Gold Award. It recognises the commitment of our teams and the practical steps being taken across the two businesses every day.
“Protecting our wider environment takes continuous work. This is an important milestone, but it also encourages us to keep learning, improving and finding better ways to operate.”
Both businesses will continue to build on the progress recognised by the awards, using the Green Tourism assessment to help identify where they can go further. From reducing their environmental footprint and working more closely with local suppliers to involving teams, guests and communities in positive change, Watergate Bay Hotel and SeaSpace remain committed to making thoughtful, measurable improvements.