Picture: Valerie O’Sullivan
For the sixth consecutive year, Kerry has retained its place in the Global Destination Sustainability Index top 20 and maintained its 19th place ranking out of 99 international destinations.
The result once again secures the counry’s position as the number one Irish destination as per the index which measures, benchmarks and enhances the sustainability strategies, action plans and initiatives of destination management organisations, municipal authorities and their tourism supply chains from around the globe.
Originally established to help destinations, event planners and business events suppliers to drive and recognise sustainable practices in the business events industry, it’s remit now also encompasses leisure tourism and, this year, the criteria expanded to include regenerative tourism, circular economy practices and enhanced climate action.
Kerry first participated in the Index in 2018, with Kerry Convention Bureau taking the lead on the annual submission. Through the collaborative efforts of KCB with the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, Kerry County Council, Fáilte Ireland and a wide range of tourism industry partners, this year’s result is testament to Kerry’s commitment to sustainable tourism management, which sees stakeholders united in a vision for the future of sustainability woven into the fabric of the distinct landscape, culture and heritage.
This year, 99 destinations were benchmarked, including ten new entrants. Scoring 77.65 per cent out of a possible 100, Kerry’s sustainability performance was evaluated based on the county’s environmental strategy and infrastructure, social sustainability performance, industry supplier support as well as strategies and initiatives.
The 2024 submission referenced goals and achievements set out in the Kerry County Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2022-2025, an ambitious framework designed to provide a
robust platform from which the county can accelerate performance and place sustainability at the heart of its tourism recovery and growth plans.
It also included updates on initiatives from around the county including a Festivals and Events Charter by Dingle Peninsula Tourism Authority and Quest Events, the Killarney Coffee Cups project, Blue Way for South Kerry Feasibility Study, Dingle Peninsula Western Mass Economic Development & Tourism Summit presentation and the Maherees Creative Coastal Resilience project.
Kerry Convention Bureau Manager, Becky Hargrove, remarked: “In a year which saw a significant expansion of the criteria, and in a competitive field that is dominated by large cities, a metropolis and a megacity, we are so proud that Kerry is once again recognised as the number one Irish destination”.
She added: “Our ranking demonstrates that the sustainability ambitions of our community of tourism suppliers, event professionals and industry partners mirror those of our valued clients and partners on a global stage.”
Chairman of Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, Pat O’Leary, said the result has, for the sixth consecutive year, recognised Kerry’s position as the top Irish destination and 19th position internationally.
“This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the power of the tourism collective throughout the county. It highlights the innovation in sustainable tourism which is ongoing in the Kerry and copperfastens the sustainable image of our natural heritage,” he said.
Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald, remarked: “Together, we are paving the way for a sustainable future that enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike”.
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