Title – Name
Sustainable Tourism Network
Scope / Sector / Industry
Sustainable Tourism Network
Country / Region
Ireland
Why is it good practice?
The Sustainable Tourism Network is a sustainable tourism certification organization in Ireland, recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Its aim is to empower the tourism industry to become more sustainable through networking, consulting, training, and certification services, benefiting businesses, tourists, and communities.
The uniqueness of the Sustainable Tourism Network lies in its approach to motivating tourism businesses to adopt sustainable practices by providing recognized certification based on milestones achieved through a 6-stage process.
How is it applied?
Support for member businesses in the following thematic areas:
- Energy reduction and management
- Carbon emissions reduction and management
- Water reduction and management
- Waste reduction and management
- Food waste reduction and management
- Single-use plastic management
- Sustainable strategy planning
- Sustainable procurement
- Biodiversity support
- Certification provision
Services provided:
A) Membership Registry
Businesses wishing to join the Network pay an annual fee based on their size (estimated by the number of employees). Upon registration, they receive the Network’s logo and access to a set of information and tools on its platform. Members can attend online workshops, seminars, and e-learning courses, access the member list, and participate in networking events for idea exchange and business development. They can also learn about examples of sustainable tourism businesses.
B) 6-Stage Program and Certification
The 6-stage program is a process that businesses choose to follow to receive certification recognizing their sustainability. Each stage of the program aligns and is evaluated with GSTC certification criteria, emphasizes specific sustainability pillars, and is based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Upon completing each stage, the business receives a distinction (1. Foundation Level, 2. Energy & Carbon, 3. Waste & Water, 4. Nature & Culture, 5. People and Business, 6. Certification), symbolizing its achievements and commitment to sustainability. The final certification comes in the form of a gold or silver award and must be renewed every 2 years. Renewal requires a renewal fee. Additionally, businesses are showcased on the Network’s member list according to their distinction.
Certification can be achieved in two ways. The first and usual way is participation in a guided program with one-on-one support from specialized trainers at each stage. The second and more flexible way allows the business to follow its own path to achievement based on predetermined criteria and the Network’s online information.
The evaluation for achieving the 6 stages is conducted by external auditors to ensure transparency through on-site inspections.
C) Training
The Network also offers training opportunities for its members in the aforementioned thematic areas. Training can take the form of online courses, online or in-person seminars and workshops, and customized training programs for businesses.
D) Consulting
The Sustainable Tourism Network additionally offers customized consulting services to businesses wishing to delve deeper into sustainability, circularity, and climate issues. Consulting can include drafting sustainable strategies, environmental management, researching best sustainability practices, supporting business engagement with other stakeholders, performance measurements, and designing experiential policies.
E) Annual Conference Organization
Every year, the Network organizes a sustainable tourism conference to disseminate new knowledge, network its members, and foster interaction. Members of the Network receive a 25% discount on participation.
Where is it applied?
The Network addresses all tourism businesses and currently has 152 members.
When did it applied?
Το Sustainable Tourism Network ξεκίνησε τη λειτουργία του το 2009.
Results
Out of its 152 registered members, currently:
• 2 businesses have earned the gold certification
• 1 business has earned the silver certification
• 28 businesses have completed the intermediate stages of the certification program
• 1 business has completed the 2nd stage of the certification program
• 12 businesses have completed the 1st stage of the certification program
Other Information
The Network has developed its own sustainability policy, serving as an example for its members. Its staff has completed the GSTC training program for sustainable tourism.
Any business wishing to become a member of the Network must agree to the Membership Policy and the Membership Logo & Award Usage Agreement, which can be found on the official website.
Official site of the Sustainable Tourism Network: https://www.sustainabletourismnetwork.ie/
