Participants in Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark’s Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism Training Programme - Belleek Pottery, Ice Cream Treats, FIKA 33, Wisteria Cottage & Organic Farm, Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen Castle Museums, Lake Avenue House, Share Discovery Village, National Trust and Corleggy Cheese with representatives from Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, The Tourism Space, and MTU.

Geopark launches Sustainable Tourism Training Programme

Published: Sat 4 Oct 2025, 4:40 PM

The fourth instalment of Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark’s flagship Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism Training Programme kicked off last week at Trivia House in Swanlinbar.

The programme, initially developed in the Geopark by Cavan County Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, is supported by Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland. It sees 10 tourism businesses from across Fermanagh and Cavan get the opportunity to deepen their understanding of sustainability, reduce their environmental impact, and join the leading regenerative tourism business network on the island of Ireland

The programme is delivered by The Tourism Space, which brings a wealth of knowledge and passion on the principles of regenerative tourism and the wider Geopark landscape and designation.

Cllr John Paul Feeley, chair of the Geopark Committee, commented: “I want to thank Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland for their support and commitment to the continued learning and development of our tourism product.

We are proud to continue our collaborative approach across the Geopark and further establish the area as a national model for regenerative tourism.”

Over the next 14 weeks, participants will engage in modules covering energy, water, and waste management, biodiversity, accessibility, sustainability storytelling, and collective marketing, working towards a Level 4 Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Practice in Destinations and Geopark business accreditation.

Cllr Anthony Feely, Geopark Committee vice chair, added: “We are delighted to welcome this new cohort of businesses who represent the diverse and vibrant tourism offering across the Geopark. This programme empowers local businesses to adopt greener practices, conserve our cultural heritage, and contribute to a resilient destination for years to come.”

Gráinne O’Connor, manager of Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, added:

“The network goes from strength to strength, and this is testament to the businesses who have committed to this destination and the support the Geopark receives from both Councils, Tourism Northern Ireland, and Fáilte Ireland.”

The new cohort joins an established network of sustainability leaders, including Belmore Court & Motel, Erne Water Taxi, Arch House B&B, Blue Green Yonder, The Keepers Arms, Slieve Russell Hotel, XL Blacklion and Route 16 Café, alongside 25 others.