The future of sustainable tourism through a regenerative lens has been explored at a two-day international regenerative tourism conference in Dingle.
Tourism businesses, academics, policy makers, destination management organisations, tourism bodies, climate leaders and local authorities attended the event hosted by the Dingle Peninsula Tourism Alliance and Munster Technological University on Tuesday and again this Wednesday.
Pictures: Domnick Walsh
Those in attendance considered a more holistic, balanced approach to tourism which will deliver net positive benefits for businesses, communities and the environment.
Several tourism businesses in Kerry, including O’ Callaghan Coaches and Muckross Creamery in Killarney, participated in the two-year programme which included training, mentoring, coaching and networking with tourism operators in Ireland, Iceland, Finland, Poland and the Netherlands.
The project was called Circular Economy for Regenerative Tourism and it was funded by the European Union. Participating tourism businesses from five countrieswere allocated over €8,000 each to advance their sustainability and regenerative tourism practices.
Mary Rose Stafford, Executive Head of School of Business, Computing and Humanities at MTU, said regenerative tourism is an approach to business development that makes a positive impact by championing the local place, to benefit host communities, tackling climate action, empowering visitors and delivering long-term sustainability and profitability.
The delegates heard from representatives of the Dingle Sustainability Energy Association, Fáilte Ireland, Kerry County Council and Dublin City Council on various initiatives that can support sustainable tourism businesses.
They also travelled around the Peninsula to visit communities and businesses who are leading the way in regenerative practices, including Anne’s Coffee Shop in Camp, Maharees Conservation Group, Castlegregory Community Council, Louis Mulcahy Pottery and Gallarus Oratory and Visitor Centre.
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