Lough Erne Resort

Lough Erne Resort, nestled within the stunning landscapes of Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, is a luxury destination that seamlessly blends world-class hospitality with the natural beauty of its surroundings. Situated on a 600-acre peninsula between Lower Lough Erne and Castle Hume Lough, the resort offers an exceptional range of experiences, including two championship golf courses, luxurious accommodations, and fine dining that showcases locally sourced ingredients.

As part of the Geopark Network, Lough Erne Resort is proud to have completed the dedicated Sustainability Training Programme. The resort has a deep connection to the landscape, making it an ideal base for exploring the geological wonders, rich heritage, and outdoor adventures that the Geopark offers. Whether guests are looking to relax in the resort’s Thai Spa, explore the nearby Marble Arch Caves, or embark on a guided nature walk, Lough Erne Resort provides an unparalleled gateway to the natural and cultural treasures of Cuilcagh Lakeland UNESCO Global Geopark.

Facilities: The resort features 59 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites, offering stunning views of the surrounding lakes and golf courses. For those preferring the freedom of a self-catering break the resort offers 25 lodges featuring a variety of two and three guestrooms, sleeping up to six guests. For golf enthusiasts, the resort is home to two championship courses, including the renowned Faldo Course, which was rated the ‘2nd most Instagramable Golf Course in the UK’ and features the resort within the ‘Top 100 Golf Resorts in the World’. The Thai Spa at Lough Erne Resort provides a serene escape, offering traditional Thai therapies and modern wellness treatments by the luxury sustainability focused brand VOYA. Dining at the resort is a culinary delight, with the three AA Rosette Catalina Restaurant offering fine dining with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, and the Loughside Grill and The Blaney Bar both serving casual fare in a relaxed setting with Irish flare. Additionally, the resort offers extensive event and conference facilities, making it an ideal venue for destination weddings, corporate events, and special occasions.

How did the Business Sustainability Training Programme benefit you and your business?

1.Enhanced Environmental Awareness and Practices: The Business Sustainability Training Programme provided Lough Erne Resort with a range of up-to-date sustainability principles within the tourism and hospitality industry. This foundational knowledge and awareness is helping the resort identify opportunities to minimise its environmental footprint, such as reducing energy consumption, managing waste, and conserving water. A variety of sustainable work practices were already in motion and the programme has further enhanced such practices. As an example, adopting the learned practices of ‘Measure, Monitor and Manage’, the resort has begun to lower a number of operational costs and reduce its impact on the environment, aligning with the Geopark’s mission of preserving natural resources.

2.Improved Guest Experience through Sustainable Initiatives: The programme emphasised the importance of integrating sustainability into the guest experience. Through internal audits it was identified the resort has a variety of sustainable practices in place that are not being shared with the guests. There is now a plan to uplift its eco-friendly awareness by further promoting its locally sourced food, green housekeeping practices, and local nature-based activities. These efforts are not only aligning with environmentally conscious travellers but are also enhancing the overall guest experience, setting the resort apart from competitors as we journey on improving our overall sustainable initiatives.

3.Employee Engagement and Training: The programme highlighted the significance of staff involvement in sustainability initiatives. Lough Erne Resort has created an internal team of Sustainability Ambassadors with the aim of representing each area of the business in order to help drive the sustainability action plan forward and empower one another to contribute to the resort’s sustainability goals. This sustainability in action plan is leading to increased staff morale and engagement with an appetite to learn how we can implement further sustainability in daily operations.

4.Certification and Recognition: Through the training, Lough Erne Resort gained insights into various sustainability certifications and how to achieve them. Pursuing certifications such as Green Hospitality or other eco-labels has become a strategic goal to work towards, in order to enhance the resort’s reputation as a forward-thinking business. This recognition would also provide a competitive edge in helping to attract eco-conscious travellers and partners.

5.Recognition of the Geopark as a Vital Resource: The training highlighted the significance of the Geopark as a vital tourism resource for attracting new and repeat visitors to the area. Lough Erne Resort gained a deeper appreciation for the geographic area the Geopark covers, understanding its unique landscapes, geological features, and cultural heritage. This awareness encouraged the resort to integrate the Geopark’s value into its marketing with the launch of a new ‘Stairway to Heaven’ break. In addition, it aims to continue to emphasise its role within the Geopark to enhance the guest experience and draw eco-conscious travellers seeking immersive nature experiences.

6.Strategic Collaboration and Storytelling: The programme emphasised the importance of collaboration within the Geopark Network. Lough Erne Resort further enhanced its understanding in the importance of collaboration and collectively with other businesses and stakeholders to elevate storytelling for the destination. By collaborating with local partners, the resort can develop new offers that are focused on showcasing the natural beauty, history, and cultural significance of the Geopark. This approach will not only attract new visitors but will further strengthen the resort’s commitment to promoting sustainable and regenerative tourism in the area.

7.The Importance of People and Place: The training underscored the role Lough Erne Resort is currently playing in caring for the local community and environment with many opportunities for growth. As an example, the Geopark presented an opportunity for the resort to engage in initiatives that benefit both the people and the place, such as supporting more local artisans, sourcing further products sustainably, and promoting conservation efforts. By aligning with the Geopark Charter, the resort has demonstrated its dedication to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the area, fostering a sense of stewardship among staff and guests alike.

8.Attracting New Business and Reinforcing the Geopark Charter: The training provided insights into how Lough Erne Resort could leverage the Geopark to attract new business and promote sustainable tourism. By sharing the Geopark Network’s efforts and aligning with its principles, the resort will be able to position itself as a leader in sustainable tourism. This could not only attract visitors but also open opportunities for partnerships and collaborations that reinforce the Geopark Charter, contributing to the long-term sustainability and regeneration of the area.

Through the Sustainability Training Programme, Lough Erne Resort was able to recognise the Geopark’s value. It will now begin to align more of its operations with sustainability goals, in order to play a pivotal role in promoting and preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.

What is the main sustainability focus of your business?

After completing the Geopark Business Sustainability course, Lough Erne Resort will focus on the following strategic actions:

Leaner & Greener: The Green Team will work diligently across three critical areas – energy, water, and waste – to make the resort’s operations more sustainable. This includes identifying and implementing ways to reduce energy consumption, optimisation of water usage, whilst minimising waste production and ultimately contributing to an eco-friendlier environment.

Louder & Prouder: The resort will actively promote its sustainable journey by sharing these efforts with key stakeholders, including guests, partners, and the local community. This involves showcasing the resort’s commitment to sustainability through marketing, social media, and guest interactions, ensuring that our green initiatives are recognised and supported.

Measure, Monitor, and Manage: To ensure best practices in sustainability are being implemented processes will be regularly reviewed and adjusted as needed. Sustainability will remain a priority on the management agenda, discussed at key weekly meetings. Additionally, the team will continue to be educated on the geographical boundaries and significance of the Geopark, empowering them to share this knowledge with guests and enhance the overall visitor experience.

Strategic Planning for Long-Term Sustainability: The Geopark programme has equipped the resort with a range of tools and frameworks for developing a comprehensive sustainability strategy. This included setting measurable goals, monitoring progress, and continuously improving practices. With an enhanced roadmap, Lough Erne Resort is able to align its sustainability efforts better with its broader business objectives, ensuring that sustainability is to be an integral part of its long-term success.