Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark Launches Fourth Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism Training Programme

Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark is proud to announce the successful kick-off of the fourth instalment of its flagship Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism Training Programme. The programme commenced last week at Trivia House in Swanlinbar, whom themselves completed the programme in 2024, and were now proud to host ten tourism businesses from across Fermanagh and Cavan to take forward their sustainability journey.

The programme, initially developed in the Geopark by Cavan County Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, is supported by Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland, offers participating businesses the opportunity to deepen their understanding of sustainability, reduce their environmental impact, and join the leading Regenerative Tourism Business Network on the island of Ireland.

The programme is delivered by The Tourism Space, who bring a wealth of knowledge and passion on the principles of regenerative tourism and the wider Geopark landscape and designation.

Councillor John Paul Feeley, Chair of the Geopark Committee, commented:

“I want to thank Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland for their support and commitment to the continued learning and development of our tourism product. We are proud to continue our collaborative approach across the Geopark and further establish the area as a national model for regenerative tourism”.

Over the next 14 weeks, participants will engage in modules covering energy, water, and waste management, biodiversity, accessibility, sustainability storytelling, and collective marketing. Businesses will work towards a Level 4 Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Practice in Destinations and will become accredited Geopark businesses.

Councillor Anthony Feely, Vice Chair of the Geopark Committee added,

“We are delighted to welcome this new cohort of businesses who represent the diverse and vibrant tourism offering across the Geopark. This programme empowers local businesses to adopt greener practices, conserve our cultural heritage, and contribute to a resilient destination for years to come”.

Gráinne O’Connor, Manager of Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark stated,

“The Network goes from strength to strength, and this is testament to the businesses whom have committed to this destination and the support the Geopark receives from both Councils, Tourism Northern Ireland and Fáilte Ireland”.

The new cohort joins an established Network of sustainability leaders, including Belmore Court & Motel, Erne Water Taxi, Arch House B&B, Blue Green Yonder, The Keepers Arms, Slieve Russell Hotel, XL Blacklion and Route 16 Café alongside 25 others.

For further details on the programme and the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark Regenerative Tourism Business Network, visit www.cuilcaghlakelands.org.