Geopark shortlisted for tourism awards

The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark has been shortlisted in the ‘Best Destination’ and the ‘Best Transport Initiative’ categories of the annual Irish Centre for Responsible Tourism Awards.

If successful at Wednesday’s (Match 11th) awards ceremony in Dublin, the Geopark will automatically be shortlisted for the World Responsible Tourism Awards which it has competed in during 2013 and 2014.

Having previously secured “Best Destination” award nominations and wins in Ireland and abroad, the Geopark is this year being recognised for the first time for its efforts to promote sustainable travel throughout the Burren.

“The Geopark and the An Taisce Green-Schools Travel Education Officer, Róisín Garvey are working together to develop a number of initiatives around the Sustainable Travel element of the Burren Specific Code of Practice,” explained Carol Gleeson, Project Manager, Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark.

“We are currently reviewing the feedback received at a workshop training event to develop a better awareness of the opportunities available to us for cycling in the Burren, and to generate a programme of activities and incentives that will raise the profile of the Burren/Geopark as a cycling destination,” she added.

Commenting on the awards nomination, Ms. Gleeson said: “Being shortlisted for these awards is a great recognition for the hard work done by the Burren tourism sector to identify and develop a sustainable tourism destination brand, which has placed the region on the global map.”

Ms. Gleeson described the Irish Centre for Responsible Tourism Awards as an opportunity for domestic tourist operators to showcase their progress and excellence in service delivery over the previous 12 months.

“Winning a category presents a great opportunity for organisations and businesses to raise awareness and to communicate the diversity of their product or destination to the worldwide visitor, just as the Geopark has been fortunate to do during each of the past two years. We regard this awards scheme as an ideal showcase event for our efforts in achieving a sustainable future for the people of the Burren and the local environment,” said Ms. Gleeson.