Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark Invites Tourism Businesses to Join Leading Tourism Network

Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, in partnership with Cavan County Council, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland, invites expressions of interest from tourism businesses across the Geopark to participate in a Sustainability and Regenerative Tourism training programme unlocking membership to the leading Regenerative Tourism Business Network on the island of Ireland.

Councillor John Paul Feeley, Chair of the Geopark Committee said ‘Our local tourism industry is at the heart of our community and our economy and we are proud of the existing Geopark Regenerative Tourism Business Network which is leading the way in the area of sustainable and regenerative tourism. I encourage all tourism businesses to take part in this sustainability training programme which will support you to adopt greener practices so we can protect our environment, reduce costs and conserve our unique cultural heritage ensuring our destination remains vibrant and welcoming for generations to come’.

The programme, which is now being rolled out to tourism destinations across the island, originated in Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark and has long been recognised by national tourism bodies as the leading example of a practical, collaborative and innovative approach to sustainable tourism destination development.

The 14 week funded training programme supports businesses to establish baseline information for their own business in the areas of energy, water, and waste management enabling participants to recognise areas for change with potential for cost savings and environmental improvements. The programme covers core modules on biodiversity, Leave no Trace, accessibility and inclusion, sustainability storytelling and collective marketing.

For a full detailed schedule of this programme, download the schedule here.

Councillor Anthony Feely, Vice Chair of the Geopark Committee encouraging businesses to apply to the programme said ‘the 32 businesses who have completed the programme to date have seen great benefits for their own business and for the wider destination and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council are delighted to continue working in partnership with Cavan County Council to support our tourism businesses in the Geopark.

The programme is delivered as a blend of in-person and online modules to foster interaction, create a platform for sharing information and experience, and to share expertise within the tourism sector.

As well as the participating business becoming an accredited Geopark Business member, participants will work towards the achievement of a university accredited Level 4 Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Practice in Destinations recognised on the framework of qualifications.

Programme Benefits:
By completing this certified programme, you will gain a deeper, more holistic understanding of sustainability and regenerative tourism and the associated benefits for your business. You will;
• Become an accredited Geopark Business Member (with a display plaque and certificate to support your sustainability marketing)
• Establish your carbon footprint and set meaningful improvement targets for reducing emissions and cost savings
• 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
• Join the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark Regenerative Tourism Business Network. A 32-member network leading in regenerative tourism supported by the Geopark team.

Participation Details
Participation in the programme is funded by Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark*, representing an in-kind investment of over £2,000/€2,300 in your business. Please note, there is a £100/€115 fee per business to register which contributes to your learning with a third level education provider.

This fee is payable at the point of registration and is required to access the programme.

Expressions of Interest for the programme are now open and close at 12 Noon on Monday 11 August. To submit your Expression of Interest complete the form below.

*In partnership with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Tourism Northern Ireland, Cavan County Council and Fáilte Ireland.