Clare has been recognised as the first county-wide sustainable tourism destination in Ireland.
The county has been awarded Global Sustainable Tourism Council Destination Certification, which recognises it as a global leader in managing standards for sustainable travel and tourism.
Following on from a visit last month by certifying body Earthcheck, Clare has now set the standard for sustainable tourism in Ireland.
The county joins dozens of dedicated destinations worldwide that have received the GSTC designation, including the Azores in Portugal, Rottnest Island in Australia, Breckenridge & Vail, Colorado and Traviso in Italy.
The pursuit of the certification and development of a sustainable tourism policy has been led by the County Clare GSTC Destination Green Team.
The team was established in 2023 by the Tourism Department of Clare County Council and the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum.
It comprises a cross-section of local authority employees, tourism agencies and businesses, conservation agencies, community leaders and organisations, the UN Tourism International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) and the sustainable tourism expertise of Atlantic Technical University (ATU) Sligo.
Head of Tourism with Clare County Council, Deirdre O’Shea says securing this status isn’t just about attracting tourists or receiving accreditation, but ensuring tourism benefits are shared fairly across our communities.
GSTC Accreditation is regarded the most reliable way to ensure confidence and credibility of sustainable tourism certification, with annual assessment to ensure standards are upheld.
Manager of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark and Green Team member, Carol Gleeson says this provides an opportunity to keep building the county’s sustainable tourism product and give back to local communities.
You can listen to the full interview on Clare FM’s Morning Focus below.
