ecoescape, the organisation promoting sustainable tourism in the UK and Ireland, is announcing the launch of a new membership scheme to assist businesses in their journey to going green. �ecoescape members� is the UK and Ireland�s first cross-border sustainable tourism network. Its members already include a growing number of tourism enterprises including hotels, campsites, restaurants, activity providers, attractions and B&Bs. ecoescape�s membership scheme uses an innovative web platform to encourage its members to network, share ideas and learn from other businesses and individuals. There�s a regularly updated Members� Magazine as well as a directory packed full of useful tourism resources and tips to communicate with the media. Green businesses also receive free exposure on ecoescape�s consumer website at ecoescape.org, as part of their membership package. Laura Burgess, director of ecoescape said, �Domestic tourism in the UK has boomed in 2008 as travellers ditch low-frills in favour of authentic getaways closer to home. Sustainability is high on the agenda for consumers and businesses as they are keen to find ways to save money and the planet. We think a more sustainable tourism industry will happen by sharing ideas.� Members are also offered the opportunity to get involved with ecoescape�s ongoing portfolio of tourism projects such as promoting local food networks and participating in workshops and events around the UK and Ireland. ecoescape membership is open to all green businesses in the UK and Ireland and costs just �49 per year. For individuals anywhere, membership is �25 per year, and a free one-month trial is on offer for all new members. Find out more at www.ecoescape.org/join. -Ends-

Notes: � ecoescape is a registered community interest company. This means all our profits go back to the community to promote sustainable tourism in the UK and Ireland. Our registration number in England is 6667992. � In 2008 ecoescape created two printed guides to green travel in the UK and Ireland (published by Markham Publishing). The guides contain hundreds of ideas for green places to stay and visit in both countries. The books cost �8.99 each, and can be ordered at www.greenguide.co.uk.

Contact: For more information, and a free online press pass, please contact Laura Burgess using the details below. Email: laura@ecoescape.org Telephone: +44 (0) 77 39 39 39 37 Members� website: www.ecoescapemembers.co.uk Consumer website: www.ecoescape.org