Maggie Muldoon from Lisnarick Community Association; Gráinne O’Connor, Manager Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark; Cllr Anthony Feely, Vice Chair, Geopark Committee; Cllr John Paul Feeley, Chair, Geopark Committee; Desmond Gough, Jampa Ling Tibetan Meditation Centre; Sean Corrigan, Marble Arch Caves; Barry Flanagan, Erne Water Taxi; and Karan McLernon, Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark at the launch of the Community-Led Regenerative Tourism Destination Model.

Community-led Regenerative Tourism Destination Model launched

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Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark and Ballyhoura Country have launched Community-Led Regenerative Tourism Development Model.

Developed through a cross-border collaboration between Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark and Ballyhoura Development CLG, and funded by the Shared Island Civic Society Fund, the model provides a practical, adaptable framework to guide how rural areas can develop tourism that delivers real, and lasting benefits.

Councillor John Paul Feeley, Chair of the Geopark Committee said: “This launch marks the next stage in a pioneering cross-border initiative funded by the Shared Island Civic Society Fund, which places local communities at the heart of rural tourism development. The Community-Led Regenerative Tourism Development Model provides a practical and adaptable framework for how destinations can deliver real, lasting benefits for people, place, and future generations."

Gráinne O’Connor, Manager of Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, also praised the initiative. “The Community-Led Regenerative Tourism Development Model provides a framework that demonstrates what’s possible when communities are empowered to shape their own tourism future.”

The model was developed through a series of immersive learning journeys held in Ballyhoura and Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, where over 30 community enterprises, local leaders, and tourism providers shared ideas and experiences.

Cllr Anthony Feely, Vice Chair of the Geopark Committee, said of the learning journeys: “It was interesting to hear our shared challenges and opportunities and to learn from each other on how obstacles have been overcome in our own areas."

The Community-Led Regenerative Tourism Destination Model outlines six interlinked pillars that demonstrate how communities can take ownership of their tourism future and foster long-term social, cultural, and economic benefits.

By placing people and place at the heart of development, the CDM provides a pathway for rural destinations across Ireland, and beyond to foster tourism that enhances both community life and visitor experience.

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