10 Jun 2025

Co Down and Co Armagh businesses complete Tourism NI’s sustainability programme

Ten businesses in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon have successfully completed Tourism Northern Ireland’s Sustainable Tourism Business Programme.

Whitehill House Farm, Crannagael House, Mid-Ulster Properties National Trust, Armagh City Hotel, Armagh Observatory & Planetarium, Charlemont Arms Hotel, Halfway House, Knocknagore Cottages, Newforge House and Blackwell House were recognised for completing the initiative, which aims to support the industry embrace sustainability practices to enhance their operations, accessibility and visitor engagement.
 
Delivered by The Tourism Space, the 12-module programme supports businesses to become advocates for sustainable tourism experiences in Northern Ireland.
 
Participants engaged in a blended learning approach, including in-person group
sessions, online workshops, a group field trip and one-on-one mentoring, sharing
experiences, solutions, and challenges related to sustainability.
 
The main aims of the programme include the ability to measure carbon footprints and set meaningful improvement targets leading to the development of comprehensive Sustainability Action Plans encompassing climate action, biodiversity, accessibility, outdoor ethics, and marketing.
 
The action plans not only support the businesses in their ongoing sustainability efforts but also contribute to their achievement of a Level 4 Certificate of Achievement in Sustainable Tourism Practice in Destinations from Ulster University.
 
The businesses who took part in the scheme recently gathered at the Armagh City Hotel where they made their final presentations, while also sharing their future plans to enhance sustainability within their business.
 
This is the programme’s fourth cohort, which Tourism NI ran in partnership with Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
 
Jessica Hoyle, Experience Brand Development Manager at Tourism NI, said: “We are delighted to support this cohort of businesses in their completion of the Sustainable Tourism Business Programme specifically in the Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon area.
 
“Listening to the final presentations it is evident that the participating businesses have gained a wide range of practical knowledge to make cost-savings for their business, but also become part of a collaborative network of tourism operators promoting sustainable practices across the destination.
 
“Now the programme is complete, the businesses will join a growing cohort of over 50 businesses across Northern Ireland who will gain access to more advanced support and guidance for continuing their development journey.”
 
Tina O’Dwyer, CEO of The Tourism Space, said: “This programme is the result of real leadership and innovation from Tourism Northern Ireland and Ulster University, who have collaborated with us to offer a recognised, accredited learning journey for sustainable destination development.
 
“The businesses and stakeholders in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon embraced the opportunity with energy and purpose, showing what’s possible when local collaboration meets national vision.
 
“It’s been a privilege to be the delivery partner for this programme.”