Digital travel platform, Booking.com, has allied with Kendal-based charity, the Lake District Foundation, to support sustainable tourism in the Lake District.

The two entities have unveiled a sustainability fund, targeting grants to small accommodation providers to allow them to invest funds into greener facilities, for example, solar panels and electric car charger points.

Previously, the Lake District Foundation had a substantial low carbon grant scheme supporting projects at 58 local businesses, tallying a saving of the equivalent of a massive 544 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.

The current initiative, co-launched with Booking.com, is poised to clone previous susccess.

Under this recently launched fund, eligible accommodation providers can apply for a grant of up to £2,000, amounting to as much as 50 per cent of the full cost of eco-friendly refinements to their facilities, including energy productivity augmentations, renewable energy, green infrastructure or sustainable transport projects.

Regional manager for the UK and Ireland at Booking.com, Ryan Pearson said: "We are proud to be partnering with the Lake District Foundation to empower local accommodation providers to embrace more environmentally friendly practices.

"Recent research from Booking.com revealed that over three-quarters (76 per cent) of travellers say they want to travel more sustainably in the coming 12 months, so by providing these grants to small accommodation providers we are not only hoping to support their future business growth but also making it easier for everyone to experience this incredible region in a more mindful and responsible way, which is a natural extension of our overarching mission at Booking.com."

The Booking.com Sustainable Grant Fund is now open for entries until the deadline of February 19, 2024.

Chief Executive at the Lake District Foundation, Sarah Swindley, said: "The Lake District is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK and we believe it should be a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.

"But we also need to protect this special region for future generations. Sustainable tourism is key.

"We’re excited to be working with Booking.com to help accommodation providers lower their carbon footprint, as well as creating greener accommodation options for visitors.

"We look forward to receiving lots of great applications from across the Lake District."

To apply, visit lakedistrictfoundation.org/sustainable-grant-fund.