Tourism is a key industry and important economic sector in Ireland and plays a significant role in revenue generation. In order to protect the industry and create a sustainable future, it is proposed that Into Kildare would develop a sustainable tourism strategy that includes not only ecotourism but also manages tourism growth in a sustainable manner.
The Strategic Plan for Tourism in Kildare 2022-2027 is based on a principle of sustainable and regenerative tourism, leaving places better than they were before.
Mission To promote sustainable tourism as means to create jobs, protect tourism assets and support the wider community.
Vision Into Kildare will be the most sustainable tourism board in Ireland as represented by its members from the tourism and hospitality industry.
Objectives
How will this be achieved By aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals to identify and carry out specific actions that will have a positive impact on sustainable tourism in County Kildare, Into Kildare will look at three pillars:
The actions and activities will have short and long-term goals with clear objectives that can be measured and key metrics along the way to measure progress and success.
The UN SDGs, which focus on the long-term goals, and will meet the needs of these pillars are:
10. Reduced Inequalities: making tourism accessible for all
11. Sustainable Cities & Communities: preservation of cultural and natural heritage assets
15: Life on Land: conserve and preserve biodiversity
Into Kildare Green Oak is an initiative which aims to promote sustainable practices that are in place in tourism and hospitality businesses in Kildare. Our Green Oak Leaf aims to build on international best practice and ensure we are all operating sustainably.
Let’s make Kildare a green tourism destination together!
If you have already been accredited an eco–label from a sustainable organisation, (Green Hospitality and Sustainable Travel Ireland are some examples!) you already are eligible to receive our Kildare Green Oak Leaf accreditation on your intokildare.ie listing. If you are interested in taking part but are unsure if you are eligible please do get in touch and we will work together to #MakeKildareGreen
Once you have gotten in touch to let us know your business is operating sustainably, we will add an eco-friendly tag to your listing, it’s that simple.
Did you know that 78% of people are more likely to purchase a product that is clearly labelled as environmentally friendly (GreenPrint Survey, March 2021)? Let’s work together and show our visitors that we are a green destination. The initiative will include the recognition on our website as mentioned above as well as some training and awards to recognise your efforts, ideas on how we can improve our sustainability practises as a county and action plans we can follow together. We will share your Into Kildare Green Oak journey on our social media platforms to show our visitors your eco – friendly efforts!
Above are some examples of how we can make small changes in our business to make a big change in the world.
Sustainable accreditations recommended by Into Kildare:
Green Hospitality
Sustainable Travel Ireland
GreenTravel.ie