Clare residents surveyed on sustainable tourism in the county

A NEW countywide survey has been launched to inform the local tourism sector as it pursues a strategy developing Clare as a globally recognised and certified sustainable tourism destination.

Third party verified and independently carried out by researchers at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo, the resident survey comes from one of a number of measures that Clare County Council, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, Visit Clare, and the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum are currently implementing to measure and monitor tourism impacts on Clare’s economy, communities, heritage, and environment.

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Visitors to the county were already surveyed this summer and tourism businesses in the county will be surveyed early next year.

Cllr. Tony O’Brien, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said resident participation is one of the most important indicators of sustainability he hopes as many people as possible engage with this survey in an effort to better inform how tourism is being developed and managed in Clare.

Deirdre O’Shea, Head of Tourism, Clare County Council, said: “We are delighted to partner with ATU Sligo to develop systems for measuring and monitoring the ongoing development of a genuinely sustainable and regenerative tourism product in Clare. 

"The survey, which is based on European and global sustainable tourism indicators, will be used to help plan and manage tourism and support the Clare Tourism Strategy 2030, the UNESCO Global Geopark designation for the Burren and Cliffs of Moher, County Development Plans, and to work towards the UN and UNWTO’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”