Training programme to promote culture, heritage and environment of the Burren launched in Clare

A NEW TRAINING module to promote the culture, heritage and environment of the Burren is set to be rolled out to tourist guides, coach drivers and staff of tourism-related businesses.

The Ambassadors Training Module encourages participants to become knowledgeable ambassadors and custodians during their interactions with visitors to the Burren and County Clare in general.

The new training module is jointly funded by Clare County Council (CCC), the Cliffs of Moher Experience and Fáilte Ireland under its Burren and Cliffs of Moher Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP).

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The programme features five separate modules focusing on UNESCO Global Geoparks, the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren Ecotourism Network and Leave No Trace, which promotes responsible outdoor recreation.

Drivers and guides affiliated with the Incoming Tour Operators Association (ITOA) will be the first to be invited and undergo the training programme before, it is anticipated, it will be extended and rolled out to the staff of businesses across Clare.

Manager of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark Carol Gleeson said: “Tourism is a vital part of the Clare economy and having the UNESCO Global Geopark designation in the Burren and Cliffs of Moher region is integral to how tourism businesses operate in the area and how they ensure that all that County Clare has to offer will be sustained and available to future generations.

“Research has shown that the more knowledgeable guides and visitors are with a destination, the better the overall experience.

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“Generating a sense of guardianship or contribution also has been shown to increase engagement between the visitor and the host destination and to increase a feeling of investment in the future wellbeing and sustainability of the destination. This exchange has become an important feature of tourism and is particularly relevant to the Burren,” she added.

According to ITOA president Des Annett, providing the drivers and guides with correct, simple, and relevant information will enhance the interactions with them and add to the pool of tourism ambassadors that are already employed within Clare’s tourism and hospitality sector.

“The initial information received by visitors can often be the lasting information so ensuring those delivering it are well informed and enthused can only have a positive impact on the tourism product,” he said.