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.

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

• Highlight and promote sustainable tourism practices
• Raise awareness of sustainable tourism to industry and visitors
• Support the protection of the cultural and natural heritage in the County
• Set out clear measures, timelines and outcomes in a Sustainable Tourism Policy and identify how progress will be measured and monitored

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:

1. Economic – benefits to businesses
2. Social – impact on the local community
3. Environment – development and protection of eco-tourism

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

• Working with the relevant stakeholders to encourage visitor sites to be accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, sight, hearing etc.
• Promotion of free/low-cost activities for visitors/locals to access

11. Sustainable Cities & Communities: preservation of cultural and natural heritage assets

• Promote the message to use local, by supporting Kildare businesses this in turn supports the local economy
• Support the development of new and existing tourism products that seek to preserve cultural and natural heritage

15: Life on Land: conserve and preserve biodiversity

• Promote the development of sustainable walking and cycling routes such as Greenways & Blueways and influence decisions to ensure they are sustainable products
• Encourage visitors to visit the full county and promote off-peak and shoulder season to avoid ‘over tourism’