VisitScotland chairman Peter Lederer said that Scotland have to move fast if it does not want to lose out on the multibillion-pound stream of green tourism all around the world.

As eco-tourism is the standard now, Lederer warned that the nation faces losing its present lead in this sphere to other developing destinations including New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, as well as developing eco-destinations like Costa Rica, Ecuador and the Antarctic.

At a conference organised by the Green Tourism Business Scheme last week, Lederer warned representatives from different UK regional business owners and tourism bodies, saying, "We need to move now if we are to take the lead and not get left behind, before green business practices and green marketing becomes the norm".

Tourism industry already is contributing a lot to the economy of Scotland, as it is generating more than £4.2bn every year and is providing employment to nearly 200,000 individuals.

In a recent poll of 60,000 visitors, Scotland has been ranked as the top eco-destination in Europe.

Although, majority of international visitors regard Scotland as a clean and green' destination, it is facing growing competition from other nations which perceive the potential.

Lederer said, "Consumers across the world are increasingly well-educated and looking for new experiences. They are also more concerned about the environment. Hence the growth of eco-tourism. It is only really emerging today, but by 2030 it will probably be the norm as destinations take on business practices which minimise tourists' environmental footprint. We have to be at the forefront of this movement to take advantage of it".