Co Down named in top 100 sustainable destination list

Co Down named in top 100 sustainable destination list

23 January 2019

STUNNING Strangford Lough and the majestic Mourne mountains helped Co Down secure a place on a prestigious list of leading tourism areas.

The county is the only destination in the UK and Ireland to secure a place on the Sustainable Destinations Top 100 list which is organised by Green Destinations and a partnership of 12 organisations.

The list celebrates the efforts of established and emerging tourism destinations for responsible and sustainable tourism and in addition to achieving a place in the top 100, the county also achieved a gold award for its tourism offering.

Nominators had to provide extensive information on their destination and its efforts to make itself and its stakeholders more sustainable for the benefit of visitors, local communities and the world. 

Candidate destinations also had to clarify what they have been doing to comply with the 100 globally recognised criteria of the Green Destinations Standard. 

The Top 100 initiative aims to recognise tourism destinations that have worked hard to make a difference and take sustainability seriously. Nevertheless, no destination is fully sustainable and in all selected destinations important issues remain to be solved. 

Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairman Mark Murnin said the organisation was delighted that Co Down had been recognised by Green Destinations. 

“This outstanding achievement was only possible thanks to the joint commitment of tourism businesses in the region, the council and its partners,” he said. “It gives us significant marketing advantage as we promote the region in 2019.”

Stuart Park, lead sustainability assessor for Green Tourism — who acted as a mentor for the Co Down application — said that achieving a spot in the top 100, as well as the prestigious gold award, “are well deserved recognition for Co Down.”

He said: “Co Down has put an emphasis on more sustainable options through outstanding walking and cycling routes throughout the Mournes, Ring of Gullion and around Strangford Lough, unique local food and drink, rich wildlife, history and culture. 

“Supporting this is a well-developed infrastructure with effective waste management practices, low carbon travel options as well as excellent visitor experiences and green accommodation providers.”

Mr Park said the local authorities, tourism businesses and various partner organisations had worked well together to demonstrate the strengths of the county.

He added: “They put together a very strong case for the Green Destination award which combined strong policies and plans with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable destination team.  It was clear that an effort was being made to reduce the impacts of the destination while enhancing the visitor experience. 

“It is no surprise that this has helped increase tourism to Co Down, while the region is now attracting some world-class sporting events as well as location filming for prestigious television and cinema productions.”

Ards and North Down Council chairman Richard Smart said the region had proven itself through rigorous assessment to be a leading sustainable destination. 

“This is a credit to all partners and will give yet another opportunity to highlight the authenticity of our visitor experience,” he added.

• Co Down will receive its certificate in March during ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show.