2022-2032 Vistitor Experience Development Plan

1.4 Regenerative Tourism - Beyond Sustainability ● Facilitating regular review and open discussions and having the confidence to adjust strategies as required; ● Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has published its Climate Change and Sustainable Development Strategy and Action Plan that sets a vision for the district to become inclusive, sustainable, resilient and competitive - through the achievement of targets to become Net Zero by 2040 on council operations and by 2042 across the district; ● The Waterways Ireland Climate Action Plan details its approach to take meaningful steps in achieving a 51% reduction in emissions and 50% energy efficiency improvement by 2030. It also sets steps to protect our natural and built heritage in the face of climate change. By 2050, Waterways Ireland will be a climate neutral organisation; ● TourismNI is currently defining a regenerative tourism strategy that places sustainability at the heart of our tourism product through responsible management and community engagement; ● TourismNI has also implemented a Visitor Pledge that encourages visitors to commit to 3 promises. Approaching tourism from a regenerative angle requires a shift in thinking towards the visitor and towards a longer term approach. It aims to create a vision and direction for tourism in the area that is people centred and place based. Regenerative tourism goes further than sustainability. Its aim is that visitors have a positive impact on their host destination, its communities and the environment; leaving it in a better condition than how they found it. Some areas for consideration in taking a regenerative tourism approach include: ● A connected destination approach - recognising that visitor experiences depend on suitable accommodation, itineraries and visitor services to make the overall experience, and are not just dependent on individual attractions; ● The role and importance of local communities in the visitor experience, and demonstrating the value that tourism can add to communities; ● Understanding that places are not fixed in time and are continuously evolving and changing - strategies should be dynamic and regularly updated in line with market conditions, trends and need; ● A common vision and shared purpose that all key stakeholders can embrace and more importantly…own; ● The importance of good stewardship, protecting the environment, landscapes and communities for the benefit of current and future generations; ● Facilitating innovative approaches and collaborative working; 8 Fermanagh Lakelands & Omagh and The Sperrins