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Two local tourism businesses have successfully completed the Sustainable Tourism Business Programme, with participants receiving their completion certificates at a ceremony this week in Killeavy Castle.
Killeavy Castle Estate and Brack Tours were two of thirteen businesses that came together at Killeavy Castle Estate to mark their achievement. Led by Tourism NI and delivered in partnership with The Tourism Space and Ulster University, the programme supports tourism providers to embrace sustainability practices and become advocates for sustainable tourism experiences in the north.
successfully complete the Sustainable Tourism Business Programme. Some of the
businesses pictured with (front row) David Roberts, Director of Strategic
Development at Tourism NI, Nikki McQuillan, senior lecturer at Ulster University,
Maria McAlister, Interim Experience Brand Development Manager at Tourism NI and
Tina O’Dwyer, CEO of The Tourism Space.
Participants were involved in group sessions, online workshops, a field trip and one-on-one mentoring throughout the course. Businesses were 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 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 also included The Guildhall, Peacemakers Museum, Lough Neagh Stories, Croga Tours, Carrick-A-Rede Retreat, Friels Hospitality and Heritage Venue, Indie Fude, Seamus Heaney Homeplace, Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, The Sound Healing Spa and Ballyscullion Park.
Maria McAlister, Interim Experience Brand Development Manager at Tourism NI, said they are delighted to recognise the 13 tourism businesses who have completed the 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," she said.
Tina O'Dwyer, CEO of The Tourism Space, said it has been a pleasure to journey alongside the 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," she said.
She added that they were very happy to deliver the programme in partnership with Tourism Northern Ireland and Ulster University, describing it as a strong and practical collaboration that is helping to build real capacity for sustainability within Northern Ireland's tourism sector.
