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Geopark Sustainable Code of Practice for Tourism - WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Finalist 2014

  • Published on October 6, 2014
The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark seeks to facilitate a common level of sustainable practice across tourism enterprises for the purposes of protecting the natural and cultural heritage on which much of the tourism product depends. Attainment of the Geopark Code of Practice represents a first and significant step on the journey of continuous improvement towards sustainability. It provides an excellent basis for applications for independent certification through third party organisations such as the Green Hospitality Programme.
Growing Sustainable Tourism
We have and will continue to spearhead a vibrant model of sustainable tourism that develops and promotes the Burren area as a truly special destination that strengthens the local economy and improves the visitor experience by:
 
1.Developing destination management and targeted marketing strategies
 
2.Providing training, certification and quality standards to local businesses, which in turn will increase the quality of visitor experiences
 
3. Developing and promoting local cultural events, festivals, produce and trails
 
4. Upgrading visitor in management and access at natural and cultural attraction
 
5. Implementing a coherent and integrated signage system
 
6. Providing information on public transport systems
Geopark LIFE (an EU LIFE funded programme) works with tourism enterprises who share the Principles of Sustainable Tourism and who demonstrate or are working towards the Geopark Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism. 1. Working Together Foster collaboration between all stakeholders to collectively develop and promote the Geopark as a sustainable tourism destination. 2. A Cared-for Landscape Participate in conserving our natural and cultural heritage in accordance with the European Geoparks Network Charter and Leave No Trace principles, and in compliance with relevant legislation. 3. A Well-understood Heritage Ensure high standards of communication and understanding of the unique character of our place and our stories, emphasising the particular attributes and strengths of the Geopark. 4. Sustainable Tourism Management Build capacity in destination management and stewardship, focusing on enhancing the quality and standards of visitor experiences and tourism products and services. 5. Vibrant Communities Optimize tourism's potential as both an economic and social development tool which benefits hosts as well as visitors. 6. Strengthened Livelihoods Create strong economic benefits through product development, marketing and promotion, cost and energy savings, local sourcing and the creation of local employment. The Burren Ecotourism Network (B.E.N.) is a network of tourism enterprises with the objective of establishing the Burren as a premier internationally-recognised sustainable tourism region ensuring the future economic and social growth and sustainable development of its communities, environment and heritage. It seeks to support continued training, mentoring and accreditation in sustainable tourism for its members and for businesses interested in joining the Network. The Network aims to be a recognisable network of enterprises in the Burren, who have achieved independent accreditation, demonstrate ecotourism ‘best practice', positively discriminate in each other's favour, provide ‘one voice' representation on issues impacting the Burren (where appropriate), and inspire conservation activism. The Burren Ecotourism Network and the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark have enjoyed a special relationship since 2008, when the Burren Connect Project first instigated the establishment of the Network. The two organisations now work in partnership, having agreed in late 2012 to pool their resources in pursuit of their common objective. Both organisations are committed to the promotion of responsible tourism that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. They work together to promote ‘The Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark' as a leading sustainable visitor destination, celebrated for high standards in visitor experience, conservation and learning. We have been shortlisted for the Best Destination for Responsible Tourism in the World in 2013, shortlisted for Tourism for Tomorrow Destination Award 2014 and longlisted for the World Responsible Tourism Award for Best Destination. Our next steps include continuing to promote and market the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark as a sustainable visitor destination, attracting new members to the Burren Ecotourism Netowrk, work to improve, implement and facilitate training for our Geopark Code of Practice

External source(s)

Project start date
01/07/2011
Project end date
31/12/2017

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