New cohort of businesses successfully complete Sustainable Tourism Business Programme

The 12-week initiative, which is delivered by The Tourism Space, guides businesses on a journey to become advocates for sustainable tourism experiences in the North. Participants take part in group sessions, online workshops, a field trip and one-on-one mentoring.

Throughout the programme, businesses work to develop and submit a detailed Sustainability Action Plan, outlining their commitment to sustainable practices.

The businesses which have been taking part in the programme gathered at Magheramorne Estate in Larne this week to make their final presentations, sharing their top three takeaways, their outstanding actions and the next steps they plan to take to enhance sustainability within their business.

The action plans not only support the businesses in their ongoing sustainability efforts but also contribute to their achievement of a Level 4 Certificate of Achievement in Sustainable Tourism Practice in Destinations from Ulster University.

The businesses which completed the programme included Maritime Belfast Trust, Taste & Tour, Magheramorne Estate, Antrim Estates Company, Glenarm Castle, Willow and Lore, Willowtree Glamping, The Green Holiday Cottages, Hillyard House Hotel, The Walled Garden Helen's Bay, The Perch North Coast, RUAS Balmoral Show, Eastside Tourism, The Harrison Chambers of Distinction, Whitehead Railway Museum and Giant Tours Ireland.

Jessica Hoyle, Experience Brand Development Manager at, said: "It has been brilliant to hear the presentations from our participating industry today.

“The purpose of the programme is to empower businesses to identify positive and realistic changes to become more accessible and sustainable, which is so important for the longevity of our industry and the businesses within it. We look forward to seeing the ongoing impact the programme will have."

Tina O'Dwyer, CEO of The Tourism Space, said: "It has been amazing to see how these tourism businesses have taken what they’ve learned and turned it into real actions.

"They haven’t just talked about sustainability, they’ve made real changes which will benefit their businesses, their communities, and their destinations."