EU Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas

Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust are working towards adopting the EU Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas. This is a practical management tool for ensuring that tourism contributes to a balanced economic, social and environmental development of protected areas.

10 Principles of the European Charter:

To involve all those implicated by tourism in and around the protected area
To prepare and implement a Sustainable Tourism Strategy and Action Plan for the protected area
To protect and enhance the area's natural and cultural heritage
To provide visitors with a high quality experience in all aspects of their visit
To communicate effectively to visitors, tourism businesses and residents about the special qualities of the area
To encourage specific tourism products which enable discovery and understanding of the area
To increase knowledge of the protected area and sustainability issues
To ensure that tourism supports and does not reduce the quality of life of local residents
To increase benefits from tourism to the local economy
To monitor and influence visitor flows to reduce negative impacts

Who Can Apply?

There are 2 Parts to the EU Charter. In Part 1, the EU Charter protected areas of all kinds can apply for Charter Status. Currently, CCGHT are registered as a candidate for the Charter. As well look after and promote 3 AONBs, we are taking a holistic approach to the EU Charter. In Part 2, tourism businesses within the protected area already awarded the Charter, and working in close cooperation can sign a partnership agreement with the protected area.

Why should we take a sustainable approach to tourism?

We need to work together to ensure that our natural resource is conserved for future generations. Sustainable tourism supports integrity of place, benefits residents, respects local culture and tradition and does not abuse its product. Let's work together to protect our environment and contibute to long term economic growth. After all, without our environment, what would tourism be?

Sustainable Tourism Strategy and Action Plan

CCGHT are currently working on their Sustainable Tourism Strategy and 5 year Action plan for the Causeway Coast and Glens region. A draft will be ready for consultantion by the end of Summer 2010. A series of workshops will follow to engage the local businesses and key stakeholders involved in tourism!

Sustainable Tourism Management Forum and Business Networks

CCGHT are working to develop a management forum, involving key stakeholders in tourism management within the Causeway Coast and Glens region, to help shape the Strategy and Action Plan. As CCGHT look after and promote 3 AONBs, we are establishing 3 Business Networks. These networks are groups of local tourism businesses and/or local community members who wish to help shape the future of sustainable tourism within the Causeway Coast and Glens region. These are:

If you would like to become apart of a Business Network, please contact Sarah Irwin, Sustainable Development (Tourism) Officer on 02820752100 or email sarah@ccght.org