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ATU Researchers Support County Clare’s Landmark Sustainable Tourism Certification
County Clare has become the first county in Ireland to achieve full certification as a sustainable tourism destination, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Irish tourism. The certification, awarded by EarthCheck and aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards, positions Clare as a global leader in responsible travel and destination management.
County Clare has become the first county in Ireland to achieve full certification as a sustainable tourism destination, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Irish tourism. The certification, awarded by EarthCheck and aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards, positions Clare as a global leader in responsible travel and destination management.
Researchers from Atlantic Technological University (ATU) have played a key role in supporting this achievement, providing academic insights and sustainability expertise throughout the process. Their work has contributed to the development of a robust evidence base that underpins Clare’s sustainable tourism strategy.
Successfully securing certification sees Clare join dozens of dedicated destinations worldwide that have received the designation, including The Azores (Portugal), Nuuk (Greenland), Järvsö (Sweden), Rottnest Island (Australia), Breckenridge & Vail, Colorado (USA), Tarvisio (Italy), and Ejder 3200 (Turkey). Clare’s pursuit of certification and the development of a sustainable tourism policy for County Clare has been led by the County Clare GSTC Destination Green Team, which was established in 2023 by the Tourism Department of Clare County Council and the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum. The Tourism destination Green Team is led by Deirdre O’Shea, Head of Tourism for Clare County Council and comprises of a cross-section of local authority employees, tourism agencies and businesses, conservation agencies, community leaders and organisations, the UN Tourism International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO), and sustainable tourism expertise from ATU.
Key to the two-year process was Carol Gleeson, Manager of the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark and James Hanrahan, ATU Lecturer with Dept of Business and Social Science expertise guiding Fiona McKenna who is a part-time Doctoral Candidate in the Department of Business and Social Science and recently appointed County Clare Sustainable Destination Development Officer.
Fiona McKenna, ATU Doctoral researcher said, “Beginning as a doctoral researcher at ATU, I was extremely fortunate to be supported in developing evidence-based approaches using indicators for sustainable destination management, under the guidance of my supervisor Dr. James Hanrahan. ATU’s strong emphasis on applying research to practical, industry-relevant outcomes was the catalyst in my involvement in securing sustainable destination certification for County Clare. This ongoing partnership between ATU and Clare County Council demonstrates the real-world impact of academic research in supporting Ireland’s sustainability commitments.”
Dr Hanrahan commenting on the news added, “County Clares commitment to sustainable tourism is commendable. GSTC certification is an ongoing process requiring annual recertification, meaning they will have to regularly assess and improve on sustainable
tourism indicators to maintain their reputation as a responsible and sustainable tourism destination. Their proactive approach to sustainable tourism is beneficial for tourists, the local community and the environment as well as an example for other destinations in Ireland.”
Commenting on ATU collaboration – Carol Gleeson “From the very beginning of the certification process, we have been guided by the expertise and leadership of ATU, and we’re proud that Clare is a key destination within the Atlantic Sustainable Tourism Observatory (INSTO observatory, UN Tourism) an important initiative that ATU continues to lead. This collaboration has provided invaluable insights, support and technical expertise that continues to strengthen our approach to sustainable tourism management. We’re grateful to ATU for their continued commitment to partnership and innovation, which has been instrumental in strengthening our governance practices, supporting our Destination Green Team and increasing the use of indicators to inform evidence-based decision-making here in Clare”.
Photo caption (L-R): Deirdre O’Shea, Head of Tourism Clare County Council; James Hanrahan, Dept of Business and Social Science, ATU; Fiona McKenna County Clare Sustainable Destination Development Officer and P/T Doctoral Candidate ATU.
