Award-winning Cheshire distillery helps put region’s green visitor economy on map

Cheshire tourism chiefs were today raising a glass to an award-winning distillery for boosting the region’s burgeoning green credentials - after it was named on a map highlighting England’s eco-friendly visitor attractions to the world.

Tourism body Marketing Cheshire works with partners and businesses behind the region’s £3.9 billion visitor economy to ensure tourism plays a thriving part of a collective vision from the region’s leaders for the area to be home to the most sustainable, inclusive, healthy and growing economy in the UK. And today the green vision was boosted with news that Macclesfield Forest-based Forest Distillery - the highest altitude distillery in the UK - which offers tours and tasting sessions of its award-winning gins and whiskies, will showcase its eco excellence after it secured a place on the  Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Map of England.

The online interactive map, made available to international travel trade and tourists from around the globe, showcases carefully chosen companies and tourist gems making positive social and environmental impacts after being vetted and meeting strict criteria by VisitBritain and Visit England.

Those clicking on Forest Distillery’s entry on the map are told “sustainability is at the heart” of the the independent, family-run producer based in the historic Cat & Fiddle building high in Macclesfield Forest.

Tourists are told this includes:

· A commitment to operating sustainably, from ethical sourcing and low-impact production, to protecting the surrounding Peak District landscape including using pure spring water, responsibly foraged botanicals, and casks from sustainably managed woodland, all powered by 100% renewable energy.

· Efforts to reduce waste and emissions include a refill system, a switch to lightweight aluminium miniatures, and the development of low-impact packaging.

· And through guided tours and tastings, it shares its craft and promotes awareness of local culture, heritage conservation, and environmental stewardship.

Its inclusion on the map will also see it fly the flag for Cheshire in America as the map will be showcased before a US audience and formally launched at the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA)’s Annual Conference in Maryland today, Monday December 1 which brings together the leading North American travel companies with tourism suppliers and destinations from around the globe.

Jamie Christon, chair of Marketing Cheshire and CEO at Chester Zoo, said: “Cheshire and Warrington is home to world class tourism businesses attracting more than 50m visits a year and we know that visitors are increasingly drawn to tourism offerings with sustainability at their core. Forest Distillery is a prime example of this so we are delighted it features on a map that will drive even more people to visit our wonderful region.”

Melanie Selstrom, Marketing Manager at Forest Distillery said: “Forest Distillery is delighted to be featured on the Meaningful Travel Map and to play a part in showcasing the very best of sustainable experiences in England. Nestled in the heart of Macclesfield Forest, our distillery is rooted in a deep respect for the landscape that surrounds us, and we’re proud to welcome visitors who value responsible and mindful travel. Sustainability underpins everything we do - from volunteering on moorland restoration projects to sourcing renewable energy for our distillery, and constantly innovating our packaging to reduce waste. 

"Being involved in this initiative allows us to share not only our spirits, but our commitment to caring for the place that inspires them. We look forward to contributing to a more regenerative future for tourism in Cheshire and beyond.”

Cheshire and Warrington businesses with a focus on sustainability and interested in being considered for inclusion on the Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Map of England should email Marketing Cheshire at info@marketing.cheshireandwarrington.com.