4 November 2015
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Three tourism businesses located along Ireland’s “Wild Atlantic Way” (the driving route which starts/ends in Kinsale, Cork) were deemed winners at the World Responsible Tourism Awards held at the World Travel Market, London earlier today. Loop Head Tourism, Clare collected the gold award for ‘Best Cultural Heritage Attraction’ while Cnoc Suain in Galway scooped silver in the same category. Connemara Wild Escapes were also winners picking up a silver award in the ‘Best for Engaging People and Culture’ category.
The World Responsible Tourism Awards take place as part of World Responsible Tourism Day – the world’s biggest event for responsible tourism. Organised by founders Responsible Travel, in association with the International Centre for Responsible Tourism, the awards commend tourism initiatives that demonstrate that they are organised in a way that preserves, respects and benefits destinations and local people. They also encourage businesses to reduce their carbon footprint making the local community a better to place to live as well as a better place for tourism.
Speaking at the World Travel Market, Fiona Monaghan, Head of Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way said –
“Responsible tourism is an important topic for tourism and I am delighted to see three businesses located along the Wild Atlantic Way triumph today at the World Responsible Tourism Awards. It is a testament to the unique experience available to visitors on the West Coast of Ireland and proves that tourism businesses are considering the future.
“Taking a more responsible approach to tourism not only enables providers to save money on resources such as energy and water, but if marketed correctly, offers opportunities to tap a more environmentally-aware market. Not only that but responsible tourism also has the ability to enhance visitor experiences by adding the feel-good factor to a holiday where the visitor knows that they are contributing to the social, economic and environmental well-being of a destination rather than eroding it.”
