Tourism Northern Ireland supports 13 businesses to embrace sustainability

Aimed at supporting tourism providers embrace their sustainability practices, the fifth cohort of the programme came together this week in Killeavy Castle Estate outside Newry to receive their completion certificates.  

 

Led by Tourism NI and delivered in partnership with The Tourism Space and Ulster University, the 12-week programme supports businesses to become advocates for sustainable tourism experiences in the north with participants involved in group sessions, online workshops, a field trip and one-on-one mentoring.  

 

Businesses are encouraged to share experiences, solutions, and challenges related to sustainability during the programme and on completion have processes in place to manage water, waste and energy consumption as well as meaningful insights across wider sustainable goals such as Inclusion and Access, Biodiversity, Community, Storytelling and Regeneration.  

 

During final presentations at Killeavy Castle Estate this week, the businesses had the opportunity to present to the group and share their top three takeaways from the programme. They were also able to discuss their outstanding actions, as well as outline the next steps they plan to take to enhance sustainability within their business.  

 

Throughout the programme, participants worked to develop and submit a detailed Sustainability Action Plan, which outlines their commitment to sustainable practices.  

 

Upon completion, the businesses achieve a Level 4 Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Practice in Destinations accredited by Ulster University Business School.

 

The businesses which completed the programme include Lough Neagh Stories, Croga Tours, The Guildhall, Carrick-A-Rede Retreat, Friels Hospitality and Heritage Venue, Brack Tours, Indie Fude, Killeavy Castle Estate, Peacemakers Museum, Seamus Heaney Homeplace, Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, The Sound Healing Spa and Ballyscullion Park.  

 

Maria McAlister, Interim Experience Brand Development Manager at Tourism NI, said: “We are delighted to recognise 13 tourism businesses who have completed this programme and who are part of a growing network of tourism businesses championing sustainable tourism across Northern Ireland.

 

“Supported by Tourism NI, this programme forms part of a wider framework designed to help tourism businesses embed sustainable practices, protect what makes our destination special, and ensure the region continues to thrive as a place to work, live and visit.”   

 

Tina O’Dwyer, CEO of The Tourism Space, added: "It’s been a pleasure to journey alongside this group of committed tourism professionals. What stood out was their openness to explore every aspect of sustainability and to reimagine what their business could stand for within its wider place.  

 

“The programme offered space to grow both mindset and practical direction. Each business leaves with a sustainability action plan that they’ve shaped for themselves and that is rooted in market realities, local context and community.  

 

“We were very happy to deliver this programme in partnership with Tourism Northern Ireland and Ulster University, a strong and practical collaboration that’s helping to build real capacity for sustainability within Northern Ireland’s tourism sector.”