Sustainable programme for ABC tourism businesses

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Three adults - two males and one female are holding a prop to promote the ABC Council's Sustainable Business Programme for tourism businesses.
Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Kyle Savage pictured with Brian Connolly, Experience and Brand, Tourism NI and Joanne McElmeel, Tourism Trade Liaison Officer, ABC Council.

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in partnership with Tourism NI are inviting expressions of interest from borough-wide tourism businesses to participate in an innovative business sustainability programme.

Facilitated by The Tourism Space, the programme aims to inspire collective sustainable action locally and regionally across Northern Ireland while helping businesses achieve cost savings. Through the programme, participants will have the opportunity to achieve a Level 4 Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Practice in Destinations, accredited by Ulster University.

Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Kyle Savage expressed his delight at this new initiative: “We are delighted to have partnered with Tourism NI to launch the Sustainable Business Pathway programme for tourism businesses across our borough. This is an exciting opportunity to empower local businesses to reduce waste, conserve energy, and lower their carbon footprint ultimately cutting costs to become more sustainable.”

This programme is designed to build strong relationships, enhance knowledge, and establish best practices among participants, leading to a thriving cluster of sustainable tourism businesses across the borough and Northern Ireland who can confidently respond to evolving visitor expectations. By participating, you will gain the tools and knowledge needed to pursue third-party sustainability accreditation.

Participation in the core programme is funded by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and Tourism NI, representing an in-kind investment of over £2,000 in each business. Upon completing the programme, participants will receive a certificate and join a network of businesses committed to enhancing Northern Ireland’s sustainability.

Interested businesses are asked to submit their expressions of interest online by 12noon Friday 29 November 2024 at www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/tourismprogramme

The Sustainable Business Pathway programme offers structured mentoring and training, enabling businesses across the ABC borough to develop sustainable tourism offerings, reduce waste, water, and energy consumption, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability. The blend of in-person and online modules fosters interaction, creating a platform for sharing information, experience, and expertise within the tourism sector.