Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Virtual Conference 2021
The second Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference took place on Wednesday 20 January 2021 and proved just as big a success as the 2019 event. If you missed the event, we’ve included some highlights below. For those that attended, a full recording is available by emailing info@sustainabletourismnetwork.ie
Highlights include:
- Natalie Kidd Chief People and Purpose Officer at Intrepid Travel, and Director of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), explained how Intrepid puts ‘purpose’ at the heart of its business strategy – because it is the right thing to do. But this purpose has actually driven growth leading to more opportunities to invest in sustainable initiatives such as decarbonising the business, conserving wildlife and ecosystems, and protecting local communities.
- Shannon Guihan, Chief Sustainability Officer at The TreadRight Foundation, discussed how TreadRight and The Travel Corporation keep the planet, people and wildlife at the core of their strategy and about their powerful campaign of #MakeTravelMatter experiences that support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the video below she describes Irish examples like The 19th Green which promotes responsible consumption through their farm-to-fork ethos and the Seaweed Discovery Workshop experience in Caherdaniel from Brendan Vacations where guests learn about the importance of protecting sea life and how the business directly ensures marine life is sustainably managed.
- The brilliant Burren Ecotourism Network (B.E.N) formed the panel discussion on how to make community tourism work. Jarlath O’Dwyer (CEO) opened by discussing the powerful work done by the network of 65 local businesses. This community of businesses all have the same goal, to help their local area thrive in a sustainable way through following a code of practice. Members George Quinn (Hyland’s Burren Hotel & Chairman of the Board of B.E.N.), Carol Gleeson (Manager of the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark) and Ciara O’Halloran (Flaggy Shore Oysters) were also a part of the panel and discussed the benefits of B.E.N from the perspective of their various businesses .
- Dearbhla Stapleton, Programme Manager for Business and Industry at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), detailed business and financial supports available through SEAI’s EXEED grant scheme. She laid out what companies could do to decarbonise and where to start. More information on their financial supports and grants can be found on their website.
- Another practical, thought-provoking and informative talk was given by Marcus Treacy from The Killarney Park and The Ross Hotels. He included practical tips, advice and achievable changes that any tourism or hospitality businesses can make as well as discussing the launch of The Killarney Hotels Sustainability Group. He spoke of the savings achieved by taking the sustainable route, how they save €20,000 annually by changing to LED lighting and €10,000 each year by changing to bulk refillables and cutting out single-use plastics.
- Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development in Fáilte Ireland, joined to talk about Failte Ireland’s approach to sustainable tourism in Ireland through the VICE (Visitors, Industry, Community and Environment) Model. She also spoke about the efforts to drive positive change through the implementation of their new strategy to help the tourism sector survive, recover and maintain Ireland’s “assets, landscapes and heritage for generations to come”.
- Three workshops wrapped up the day to further inspire and support the attendees on the topic of sustainable tourism; Building Your Sustainability Policy delivered by Sarah Blake (Earthology);The Advantages Of Sustainable Event Management delivered by Peter Reelfs; and How To Integrate Sustainability Into Your Marketing Strategy delivered by Gill Wilson.
The Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference was a tremendous success with more than 150 attendees from all over the country and further a field. It gave a voice of hope to an industry that has been in recess. A closing comment from Roisín Finlay perfectly described the final mood of the day. “Everybody is sharing their knowledge. It’s a game changer. We’ve reached a turning point.”
The Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference is packed with insights from both international and Irish leaders – Fáilte Ireland
Congratulations Team Sustainable Travel Ireland on delivering today’s Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference. You offered an insightful and inspiring programme of speakers, content and workshops – Becky Hargrove, Kerry Convention Bureau
Fantastic day, full of really relative and important information. Can’t wait to start our sustainability journey with the Cronin Group. Thank you. – The Cronin Group
