Regenerative tourism initiatives
Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark’s pioneering Regenerative Tourism Business Network initiative, comprising 32 local tourism businesses from across Fermanagh and Cavan, is leading the way in the emerging field of regenerative tourism, inspiring tourism destinations across the island to adopt similar initiatives.
Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark has been facilitating a comprehensive 14-week training programme for local tourism businesses including accommodation and activity providers, producers, retailers, and visitor attractions, which focuses on areas such as energy efficiency, water and waste consumption, biodiversity, access and inclusion, and the principles of Leave No Trace.
The 32-member businesses have since formed the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark Regenerative Tourism Business Network, implementing initiatives to improve sustainability across their own businesses, including the introduction of a Sustainability Action Plan, rainwater harvesting, reduced water consumption, improved recycling systems, biodiversity measures and solar installation.
The success of the programme, which has been running since 2020, has seen the Network inspiring other organisations to participate in sustainability training, and an increasing number of representatives from tourism destinations have visited Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark to experience first-hand members’ commitment to sustainability before replicating a sustainability training programme in their own regions.
With a focus on fostering best practice and environmental stewardship, the network offers a unique opportunity for tourists, operators, and others in the travel industry to learn about sustainable tourism practices that can be implemented globally.
In 2024, in recognition of the regenerative nature of the work of the membership, the businesses developed a Code of Practice for the network which commits members to actively contribute to five key principles of regenerative and collaborative partnership, supporting a thriving community, a cherished landscape and protected environment, living heritage and knowledge sharing and learning.
Barry Flanagan, Chair of Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark Regenerative Tourism Business Network and Owner of Erne Water Taxis said: “Regenerative Tourism goes beyond sustainable practices and invites the industry to actively restore, replenish, and renew the environment and the local community in which we operate. Each member in our network has a deep, personal connection to this incredible landscape and we share the collective goal of ensuring Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark remains unspoilt, not only for the visitors who come to experience its natural beauty, but for those of us who live here.
“As the world increasingly shifts towards more responsible tourism, Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark Regenerative Tourism Business Network is proving that sustainability is not only a necessity but a key driver for the future of tourism,” Barry concluded.
Tony Walker, General Manager Slieve Russell Hotel, added: “Being a member of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Regenerative Tourism Business Network has brought terrific benefits to all of us, and our respective businesses, with such a diverse group bringing collective thinking to benefit the wider destination.”
To find out more about the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark Regenerative Tourism Business Network, visit cuilcaghlakelands.org/business-network