Shannon Region: A Leader in Sustainable Tourism

Located on the West Coast of Ireland, the Shannon Region is a premier business events destination. Comprising counties Clare, Limerick and Tipperary, the region is dedicated to creating a sustainable future for business tourism, ensuring that they not only welcome and impress visitors today but also protect and nurture the region’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Shannon’s approach to sustainable tourism is a collaborative endeavour between the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau and Fáilte Ireland (the National Tourism Development Authority of Ireland). Together, they aim to position the Shannon Region as a prime destination for sustainable meetings, incentives, conferences and events.

Global Recognition: Clare’s Sustainability Triumphs

County Clare is an excellent example of the region’s dedication to green practices. Through strategic partnerships and continuous innovation, Clare has become a benchmark for sustainable tourism on a global scale.

Achieving a Top 40 ranking in the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index 2023, Clare proudly stands alongside three more Irish destinations.

The Burren Ecotourism Network

At the heart of the Shannon Region’s commitment to sustainable tourism lies the Burren, one of Clare’s most iconic attractions. This remarkable area is celebrated for its moonlike limestone landscapes and the rare biodiversity it nurtures. The Burren not only captivates with its beauty but also serves as a vital area for conservation and sustainable travel.

The Burren Ecotourism Network (B.E.N.) plays an important role in this endeavour. It brings together a community of tourism businesses dedicated to transforming the Burren into a globally recognised region for sustainable tourism. This initiative aims at fostering the area’s economic and social growth while safeguarding its natural environment and rich heritage.

Members of the B.E.N. are dedicated to achieving and maintaining high standards of ecotourism. They work towards independent accreditation, showcasing best practices in sustainable tourism and driving forward conservation efforts. This collective effort has earned the Burren & Cliffs of Moher region the prestigious status of a UNESCO-supported Global Geopark.

By focusing on developing as a sustainable tourism destination, the Burren sets an example for regions worldwide, demonstrating how natural beauty and heritage can be preserved through community collaboration and a strong focus on sustainability.

Green Hospitality Champions

Hotels in Clare also play a key role in the region’s sustainable tourism strategy, each contributing in unique ways to environmental conservation and community wellbeing.

Armada Hotel, Clare: Pioneering B Corp Certification

The Armada Hotel stands out as the only hotel in Ireland to achieve B Corp certification. This global designation is for businesses devoted to social and environmental responsibility. The Armada Hotel’s efforts span across governance, employee welfare, community support, environmental preservation and customer satisfaction. They’re dedicated to continuously improving their sustainability impact, from reducing their carbon footprint to enhancing the wellbeing of their employees and supporting local suppliers.

Hotel Doolin, Clare: Ireland’s First Carbon Neutral Hotel

In 2019, Hotel Doolin became Ireland’s first carbon neutral hotel. This achievement reflects its commitment to significant reductions in water use, energy consumption and waste. Notably, the hotel has cut its food waste by 28% and water usage by 59% per guest. It also compensates for its carbon footprint by planting native trees for each event held, contributing over 5000, trees to local ecosystems.

The Falls Hotel and Spa, Clare: Harnessing Hydro Power

The Falls Hotel and Spa excels in eco-friendly innovation by generating power from its own hydroelectric plant. This initiative has dramatically reduced the hotel’s energy consumption and carbon emissions, making it a leader in renewable energy use within the hospitality industry. Certified as a carbon-neutral property, the hotel has decreased its carbon emissions by about 90% over five years, marking a significant contribution to the global fight against climate change.

Setting the Standard with GSTC Accreditation

The Shannon Region’s commitment to sustainability is further emphasised by the collective efforts in Clare to achieve the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Destination Certification. Clare County Council and Clare Tourism Advisory Forum have established a Green Team, including the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau as a strategic partner. Their goal is straightforward: to achieve GSTC certification, develop a sustainable tourism policy and address the challenges facing Clare as a beloved tourist spot.

This diverse group includes local government officials, tourism experts, conservationists and academics, all driven to position Clare alongside the world’s most sustainable destinations. Achieving this certification will confirm the Shannon Region’s commitment to conserving its environment and heritage through thoughtful tourism practices, reinforcing its status as a leading destination for business events that prioritise sustainability.