12-Week Destination Sustainability Programme

A new opportunity for visitor attractions and experiences to join a pilot programme of tourism businesses who can confidently showcase sustainable tourism practices across Northern Ireland through peer-to-peer learning and business mentoring.

Tourism NI is calling for expressions of interests from tourism experience businesses interested in participating in an innovative 12-week programme to inspire collective sustainable action across Northern Ireland.

Commencing on Monday 15th January 2024, this 12-week programme delivered by The Tourism Space will empower businesses to become advocates for sustainable tourism experiences in Northern Ireland and to feel confident in sustainability and climate action, supporting them to manage their energy, water and waste consumption.

To view the full programme dates and modules* click here.

*Please note, it is essential that you are able to commit to attending all sessions to complete the programme and this will form part of the shortlisting criteria.

This programme is designed to create a cohort of up to 12 businesses across Northern Ireland that:

• have measured their carbon footprint and set meaningful targets for improvement
• have a Sustainability Action Plan that includes climate action as well as positive actions in biodiversity, accessibility, outdoor ethics and marketing
• can lead to sustainable experience development, paving the way for others
• know how to collaborate and how to tell their collective destination story
• understand the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Agenda 2030 and how they can take action towards the goals
• can showcase the sustainable experiences and practices across Northern Ireland

By completing the programme, businesses will achieve a holistic understanding of sustainability that focuses on doing less harm, doing more good and making the destination better as a result of tourism activity.
Through a blended learning approach of in-person group sessions, online workshops and 1-1 mentoring, participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, solutions and challenges in relation to sustainability.

To apply, please complete the following short expression of interest.

Expressions of interest closed at midnight, Sunday 17th September.

Industry partners who have been selected will be contacted within 3 days of the closing date.

Expressions of interest are welcomed from a range of tourism businesses who deliver visitor experiences within the context of Northern Ireland – Embrace a Giant Spirit and you do not require a fixed business premises to participate. However, in addition to the programme criteria the following industry are not eligible to apply:

• Local Authorities or Destination Management Organisations
• Tourism Clusters
• Visitor Information Centres
• Business start-ups
• Businesses who are primarily accommodation, craft, food or retail who do not offer a participatory visitor experience

In the event of over subscription, Tourism NI will further consider the following areas to determine participation:

• Quality of response to Question 16
• Regional spread
• Ensuring the programme has a complementary mix of businesses from different experience sectors
• First consideration will be given to participants of the EAGS Experience Portfolio

For the schedule of programme dates please see the download below.

Expressions of interest closed at midnight, Sunday 17th September.