Varadkar & tourism chiefs congratulate Burren Geopark on making World Tourism shortlist

Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has joined Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland to congratulate the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark for making the final of the 2014 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards.

The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark was shortlisted alongside Bonito (Brazil) and Temes S.A. – Costa Navarino (Greece) as ‘finalists for “showing commitment to supporting and delivering sustainable tourism best practices in their destinations.” The Greek entry took the final award.

Minister Varadkar met representatives from the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark this morning as part of his tourism-promotion visit to China: “This is a fantastic achievement for the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark and I congratulate its management team. It comes just two months after the Geopark was shortlisted for the 2013 World Responsible Tourism Awards. The Geopark receives expertise and advice from Failte Ireland and is promoted internationally by Tourism Ireland.”

“The Burren is a national treasure. It’s a unique ecological landscape, and a top tourism attraction. In my view it deserves to be even more famous, and making this shortlist will help us to promote it even more widely,” he added.

Speaking from China, Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “Congratulations to the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher Geopark on being nominated for this prestigious award, which is one of the highest accolades in the travel and tourism industry worldwide. We know that the spectacular landscape of the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher appeal hugely to our overseas visitors. And the visit in 2012, by China’s then vice-president Xi Jinping, who has since become president, to the Cliffs of Moher has certainly helped to increase Ireland’s profile in the vast, hugely diverse market of China.”

Shaun Quinn, CEO of Fáilte Ireland said: “This is fantastic news not just for the Burren Geopark but for County Clare and Ireland in general. To be acknowledged at this global level is a remarkable achievement and shows the clear benefits of collaboration across the public agencies. The Burren Geopark is a clear example of how conservation and sustainable practice can become the selling point for a destination and I hope we can look forward to welcoming more visitors to the area as a result of this good news.”

The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are one of the highest accolades in the global Travel & Tourism industry recognising sustainable tourism best practices in businesses and destinations worldwide, ranging from local destinations to global hotel groups, international airlines, luxury tour operators and small eco-lodges.