Ruby Falls certified by Green Globe and named Shining Example

LOS ANGELES, California – Just a few months after achieving Green Globe re-certification, Ruby Falls, one of America’s iconic tourist attractions, has received the “Southeast Tourism Society Shini

LOS ANGELES, California – Just a few months after achieving Green Globe re-certification, Ruby Falls, one of America’s iconic tourist attractions, has received the “Southeast Tourism Society Shining Example Award” as the “Escape to the Southeast Travel Attraction of the year.” The award was accepted by Hugh Morrow, President of Ruby Falls. Mr. Morrow thanked the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) for their contribution to tourism and tourism education.

“Shining Example Awards highlight some of the best work in travel and tourism, and winners truly set examples that others in the industry can follow,” said STS President and CEO Bill Hardman, “Showcasing great work is important, because tourism is the largest, the second-largest, or third-largest industry in every Southeastern state.”

Shining Example Awards, a fixture since 1985, are presented in 12 categories, 15 awards. Founded in 1983, the Southeast Tourism Society is dedicated to the promotion and development of tourism to its 12 member states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Membership includes state travel offices, attractions, hotels, motels, resorts, convention and visitor bureaus, transportation companies, newspapers, magazines, and other travel-related organizations.

Some of the notable achievements required for this award were substantial growth in revenue, attendance, and special outreach. Over the past few years, Ruby Falls has been demonstrating commitment to minimize the environmental footprint, while providing a better experience to their visitors. Ruby Falls implemented state-of-the-art solar energy production equipment, capable of producing 16,000 – 20,000 watts of renewable energy per year. This combined with the use of computer-controlled, high-efficiency lighting has reduced power consumption by 24%. Ruby Falls is a natural attraction and sustainable land use planning is in effect to protect and preserve the natural environments inside and outside the cave.

Green Globe Certification’s CEO, Guido Bauer, said: “We are thrilled about this wonderful success of Ruby Falls. The attraction has become a model in environmental sustainability in the areas of renewable energy production, reduction of greenhouse gases, recycling, waste reduction, and land use planning.”

ABOUT RUBY FALLS

Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is on the National Register for Historic Places. It is America’s deepest commercial cave at 1,120 feet beneath the surface and is the most visited underground waterfall. With its long, storied history, awe-inspiring scenery, and many geological wonders, Ruby Falls is one of the Southeast’s favorite destinations – annual visitation exceeds 400,000. This remarkable beauty located deep inside Lookout Mountain has been a shared memory for generations of travelers to and through the Chattanooga area.

Contact: Meagan Jolly, TMP, Public Relations Manager, R & R Marketing, 3518 S. Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37409 USA, Phone (423) 475 8992, Fax (423) 756 4424, Email [email protected] , www.lookoutmountain.com

ABOUT GREEN GLOBE CERTIFICATION

Green Globe Certification is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally-accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe Certification is based in California, USA, and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe Certification is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, supported by the United Nations Foundation. For information, visit www.greenglobe.com

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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