Twelve new businesses join Tourism NI's sustainability programme
Tourism Northern Ireland has launched a new round of its support programme to help businesses create and build sustainable tourism practices.
Jessica Hoyle, Experience Development Manager at Tourism NI and Tina O'Dwyer, CEO of The Tourism Space, pictured with representatives of businesses involved in the latest cohort of the Sustainable Tourism Business Programme, which was launched at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy.
Tourism Northern Ireland has launched a new round of its support programme to help businesses create and build sustainable tourism practices.
Twelve tourism businesses from across Northern Ireland have joined the latest cohort of the Sustainable Tourism Business Programme, which was officially launched at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy this week.
This is the sixth cohort funded by Tourism NI, with more than 60 businesses across the region taking part in the programme to date.
The initiative, which is delivered in partnership with The Tourism Space and Ulster University, is designed to support tourism businesses to build practical, impactful sustainability practices, while strengthening their competitive edge.
It offers structured mentoring and training, enabling businesses across Northern Ireland to develop sustainable tourism offerings, reduce waste, water, and energy consumption, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability.
The programme emphasises the importance of sustainability storytelling and explores broader themes such as accessibility, biodiversity and community.
Upon completion of the 12-week programme, participants will achieve a Level 4 Certificate of Achievement in Sustainable Tourism Practice in Destinations from Ulster University.
This week representatives from the new businesses took part in the first module of the programme, ‘Concepts of Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism’.
The businesses involved are Fish City, The Horatio Group, National Trust - North Coast Property Portfolio, Castle Archdale Holiday Park in Enniskillen, Sperrin Alpacas in Omagh, Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes, near Ballynahinch, Historic Royal Palaces (Hillsborough Castle and Gardens), Siren Investments Ltd in Hillsborough, the Galgorm Collection, The Valley Hotel in Fivemiletown, Glenshane Country Farm and Tullymurry House Ltd in Newry.
Jessica Hoyle, Experience Development Manager at Tourism NI, said: “We are delighted to welcome 12 new tourism businesses to the programme, joining an expanding network of industry leaders that are helping to drive sustainable tourism across Northern Ireland.
“The programme is designed to foster strong relationships, build knowledge and promote best practice among participants, helping to create a thriving network of sustainable tourism businesses across Northern Ireland.
“In doing so, it equips businesses to respond confidently to evolving visitor expectations while enhancing the overall attractiveness of the destination.”