Sustainable Tourism Business Programme

Tourism NI are inviting expressions of interest from tourism businesses to participate in the fifth cohort of an innovative business sustainability programme, facilitated by The Tourism Space in partnership with Ulster University. The programme aims to give businesses a deeper understanding of sustainable tourism practices and their relevance to the balanced development of the destination as well as equipping them to implement practical strategies to manage energy, water, and waste efficiently. Through participation, businesses will work towards the achievement of a Level 4 Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Practice in Destinations accredited by Ulster University Business School.

Programme Overview:

The Sustainable Tourism Business Programme offers structured mentoring and training, enabling businesses across Northern Ireland to develop sustainable tourism offerings, reduce waste, water, and energy consumption, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability.

The programme emphasises the importance of sustainability storytelling and explores broader themes such as accessibility, biodiversity and community.  The blend of in-person and online modules fosters interaction, creating a platform for sharing information, experience, and expertise within the tourism sector.

This is the fifth cohort of the programme delivered by Tourism NI, with 100% participants recommending the programme and 100% of participants saying they were satisfied or very satisfied with the programme schedule, valuing the depth and scope of what is covered.

Previous Participant Feedback

The programme has provided us with an excellent opportunity to engage with like-minded businesses within Northern Ireland, learn from accredited subject experts, benchmark against global examples and greatly enhance our confidence in what we have already achieved, our sustainability standards and identify key actions going forward

Martin McMullan, Life Adventure/Bike Mourne & Cohort 1 Participant

This programme is designed to build strong relationships, enhance knowledge, and establish best practices among participants, ultimately leading to a thriving cluster of sustainable tourism businesses in Northern Ireland who can confidently respond to evolving visitor expectations. By participating, you will gain the tools and knowledge needed to pursue third-party sustainability accreditation.

Previous Participant Feedback

We are excited for the future, involving the community, encouraging nature, and working with other small businesses and educating our team. There is so much possibility, and it feels like a new path for our business

Cairn Bay Lodge, Cohort 4 Participant

Download the full list of programme dates and modules here:

Upcoming Schedule

PDF

*Please note, this may be subject to change and the final schedule will be confirmed at the time of registration.  

Eligibility:

This programme is most suitable for business owners or senior decision-makers of established tourism businesses with fixed premises or assets that can be assessed for sustainability improvements. There is no requirement to have any previous sustainability knowledge or certification as the modules are designed to support businesses at all stages of their sustainability journey. We welcome expressions of interest from various tourism businesses; however, the following are not eligible to apply:

  • Local Authorities or Destination Management Organisations
  • Tourism Clusters
  • Tour guides
  • Visitor Information Centres
  • Business start-ups
  • Businesses primarily focused on craft, food, or retail without a participatory visitor experience

Participation Details:

Participation in the core programme is fully funded by Tourism NI, representing an in-kind investment of over £2,000 in your business. Please note, however, that there is a £200 fee per business to register your learning with Ulster University. This fee is payable to The Tourism Space at the point of registration and is required to access the university-accredited elements of the programme.

All participants in the programme will receive a Certificate of Completion from The Tourism Space as standard.

To achieve your 10-credit, Level 4 Ulster University accredited qualification, you will submit a sustainability action plan - developed throughout the programme - for assessment, along with a short presentation reflecting on your learning and next steps. The focus is on practical insight and real-word application to your business rather than academic writing and full guidance and support will be provided as you undertake the programme.

A Level 4 qualification covers qualifications like HNC's and Higher Apprenticeships and represents specialist learning in a particular work area. For more information on qualification levels please visit here. 

Programme Benefits:

By completing this certified programme, you will gain a deeper, more holistic understanding of sustainability that goes beyond compliance. Participation in the course will enable you to:

  • Achieve a university certified accreditation to enhance your sustainability marketing
  • Establish your carbon footprint and set meaningful improvement targets for reducing emissions
  • Develop a Sustainability Action Plan that includes climate action, biodiversity, community, accessibility, outdoor ethics, and collective sustainability storytelling
  • Discover best practice and learn from industry guest speakers offering practical and real-life examples of embedding sustainability into a tourism business
  • Avail of concise, actionable and practical training supported by templates, workbooks, checklists and case studies
  • Understand the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2030, and take action towards these goals
  • Join a growing cohort of sustainable tourism businesses in Northern Ireland, committed to climate change through tourism practices

Previous Participant Feedback

The knowledge and passion from Tina and her team was excellent and the standard provided was exceptional

Eastside Partnership, Cohort 2 Participant

Additional Support:

  • Guidance on completing a carbon calculator for your business
  • One-to-one mentoring
  • Access to a dedicated online learning hub and supporting resources
  • Access to enhanced learning opportunities as part of the cohort
  • National PR opportunities through programme promotion

How to apply:

Expressions of Interest for the programme closed at 5pm on Sunday 3rd August.

Application to the Sustainable Tourism Business Programme was by online expression of interest.

Please note that spaces are limited. Active participation in the full programme is required. In the event of oversubscription, selection will be based on:

  • Quality of response to questions
  • Regional diversity of businesses
  • Businesses with fixed assets that can be assessed and measured against sustainability targets
  • Ensuring a complementary mix of businesses by sector and size
  • Priority consideration for participants in the Embrace a Giant Spirit Experience Portfolio (for visitor attractions and experiences)