Climate Change Tourism ?

Greenbox members may recall Anna Pollok who was our international speaker at 2009 Conference at the share centre , Co Fermanagh . See the full article below on annas Blog .


http://desticorp.typepad.com/desticorp/2009/11/reputation-reputation-reputation.html

Carbon offset option removed by responsibletravel.com

Re Greenbox Travel
Irish Rail have confirmed that customers can now book bikes on new trains Dublin-Sligo 8 trains a day , a very welcome development despite being a few years later than new train but better never late than never , do you encourage your guests to come by train ?

Good News for Green Comapnies

see enclosed article for some good news in these hard times !http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?src=nl&id=17040

Clean Breaks -new rough guide features greenbox members

Clean Breaks unearths 500 unique experiences and new ways to travel that make a real difference to the lives of local people and the planet. Discover a wealth of new adventures from sleeping in houseboats in Kerala and witnessing the zebra migration in Botswana to taking the train-hotel from Paris to Madrid. Whether you fancy living like a local in a tipi with Native American Indians, riding with cowboys in Venezuela or staying in a bunkhouse barn in the Brecon Beacons, this guide is packed with the how, where and when to plan your next extraordinary experience.
Authors Richard Hammond, Green Travel Correspondent for The Guardian, and Jeremy Smith, former Editor of The Ecologist Magazine, combine cultural sensitivity with practical advice, hand-picking the best hotels, resorts, and tours run by earth-friendly people who are passionate about what they do, assuring a spectacular choice of inspirational travel ideas without compromising on the quality of your holiday. Whether you wish to experience a climate-friendly home-stay or simply want to see the world in a new light; make your next trip a Clean Break

We were fortunate to have Jeremy Smith visit Greenbox in late july and was very impressed with his time here and all our members he met .
See also http://www.greentraveller.co.uk/

see videoclip of the recent launch http://www.greentravelguides.tv/news/clean_breaks_launch

Vote for EcoTourism handbook up for international award

About the Award
Government websites that engage locals and visitors about ecotourism and responsible travel are eligible to win Planeta.com's annual Ecotourism Spotlight Award.

"Locals and visitors are seeking ecotourism experiences," said Planeta.com founder Ron Mader. "The Ecotourism Spotlight Award encourages government leaders to move forward as we give credit to those leading the pack."

Nominees for the 2009 award include Quito Visitors' Bureau, Responsible Tourism Guide to the Mekong , Ecotourism Laos, Failte Ireland and Mexico's National Commission of Natural Protected Areas.

"These nominees have utilized the Web in highly creative and innovative ways that engage locals and visitors and inspire us all," Mader said.

Examples of best practices include Failte Ireland's ecotourism handbook for all 16,000 Irish tourism businesses and Quito's documentation of eco activities including weekend bike rides. Web 2.0 tools are showcased on the Mekong site and multi-lingual information is showcased on the Mexico parks website. Two-time Ecotourism Spotlight Award winner Ecotourism Laos has been revising its site and shows how any good website is regularly updated to maintain its effectiveness.

The Ecotourism Spotlight Award was developed to create incentives for communication, opportunities for conversation and a reward for participation among government leaders working toward ecotourism and responsible travel. Municipal, regional, national and international government websites are eligible.

The winner is announced in celebration of World Tourism Day (September 27) to spotlight best practices from government institutions. Winners receive international exposure and bragging rights.

Besides the information on the wiki and Planeta.com, a review of this year's award appears online slideshare (one of my favorite web tools!) http://www.slideshare.net/planeta/2009spotlightaward

This Publication was jointly produced in assoication with Greenbox and many of our network members feature in it .

Greenfishing in Northwest-Riverside Cottage Kinlough

www.vimeo.com/5662583 or http://www.rte.ie/news/nationwide/index.html


"This feature was screened on RTÉ's Nationwide programme on July 19 2009. It focusses on one of the best kept fishing secrets in Ireland's north west, the Drowes Salmon Fishery. Typically, the first salmon of the year caught anywhere in Ireland is caught here. It's also a haven of peace and tranquillity and this feature highlights the owner's dedication to enhancing the fishery's Green credentials, having attained the EU flower, the European Union's standard for Green living.

Business and Finance Magazine - Article on Greenbox and Ecotourism

Hi Everyone

Please see a recent article published in the Business and Finance magazine on Ecotourism and the Greenbox.

Click on the link below to view the article:


Business and Finance Article

The Launch of Donegal Walking Week

Donegal Walking Week 2009, launched today by Donegal Sports Partnership, is hoping to encourage as many individuals, families, schools and workplaces as possible to get active and get walking. The event is primarily taking place from the 24th until 30th May with a focus on community led family fun walking programme all across County Donegal. The week will also include workshops and presentations on walking fitness, the environment and heritage.

The week long event will kick off with a family walk at the Bluestack Centre outside Donegal Town on the 24th May. This walk will include information sessions and practical demonstrations on outdoor activities such as tent pitching, outdoor footwear and clothing and personal safety.

Donegal Walking Week provides a great opportunity for both the local community and visitors to get out and sample the many walking opportunities Donegal has on offer. All abilities are catered for and local accommodation providers are offering overnight packages to encourage visitors to stay in the Donegal area.

A full programme of activities is planned throughout the week in all areas of the county including 26 guided walks both coastal and inland, a family challenge, educational workshops on outdoor activities and also on the environment and walking for health.

The week long festivities will conclude with a family fun day at Glenveagh Castle where they will present one lucky family with a €500 gift voucher sponsored by Wet’n'Wild, Letterkenny for having completed the family walking challenge!
Once again we have scheduled in some FitWalk workshops at various locations throughout the county, these workshop locations will be finalised shortly and a list will be published on www.activedonegal.com

The key sponsors of the event include Irish Sports Council, Fáilte Ireland, Health Service Executive, Gartan Outdoor Education Centre, Donegal VEC, Udarás na Gaeltachta, Donegal County Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Donegal Local Development Company, the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Bluestack Centre.

Hi Everyone,

On Thursday, 14th May 2009, the Greenbox and some of its Network Members were featured on the RTE Six One News. James Hanrahan from Sligo Institute of Technology, Noeleen Tyrrell of Ard Nahoo Health Farm and Kevin Currid from Lough Allen Adventure Centre all took part in the interview with Eileen Magner.

To view the video clip, please click on the link below. Scroll down the page until you come to the heading "In Focus - Growth in eco-tourism". Well done to everyone involved for a great interview promoting the Greenbox and ecotourism.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0514/6news.html

Inishbofin Arts Festival

May 8th to 20th 2009


Fri - Cunninghams featuring Sharon Shannon, Elanor Shanley & Dessie O Halloran

Sat -Imelda May with Support Small Cars

Sun - John Spillane

Day Activities include - Falconry display, Archaeological walk, Marine walk, Teddy bears picnic, Play, poetry reading

NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AT LEITRIM DESIGN HOUSE identifying and answering the needs of the marketplace.

The Leitrim Design House is dedicated to supporting the creative industries in County Leitrim. As part of our 2009 Business Development Training Leitrim Design House will run a “New Product Development Programme”. The programme begins on April 15th at the Dock in Carrick-on-Shannon.
A member-based business development and marketing organisation the Leitrim Design House is dedicated to promoting excellence and economic development in the field of contemporary art, craft and design. The Leitrim Design House provides a strong support system for artists, designers and craft workers based in Leitrim and is a very clear example of how the talents of local people can be turned into a viable enterprise.
The “New Product Development Programme” will enable designers and makers to develop new suites of products or additions to existing ranges. It will help those working in creative business to determine what it is they really want to achieve from their own business. In these challenging economic times all businesses are looking at creative ways to develop and grow.
The programme is suitable for people from a wide range of disciplines including fashion, art, home wares, traditional and contemporary craft, photography, print & publishing and any organisation or individual wishing to develop, brand and promote a product or service.
Led by Eddie Shanahan this practical programme will address key issues from market research and consumer trends, sources of inspiration and competitor analysis. From research through to development it will cover crucial topics such as introduction to marketplace and promotion, market structure and strategy.

All aspects of developing your “own” creative business will be dealt with from marketing and design to range development, protecting intellectual property, brand development and presentation to market.
Eddie Shanahan works with a host of leading Irish and international companies and individuals and is one of Ireland’s leading experts on fashion, lifestyle and retail. He is a business consultant to several leading Irish design companies including Louise Kennedy, The Kilkenny group, Enterprise Ireland and Dunne’s stores.
His practical advise and guidance means this programme will be very hands on – working with real product created by individual designers .Participants will be supported and encouraged through a group dynamic and they will have the opportunity to learn from the experience of others as the programme progresses.

Delving into influences on contemporary lifestyle and how it assesses design, value and service participants will explore the emotional / rational dichotomy of selling.
The programme will define the characteristics of strong brands and assist participants in leveraging the power of their brands as a launch pad for new products.
The programme starts on the 15th of April and will run one day per month from 10.30 to 4pm on May 13th, June 10th and July 15th. The programme fee is €200.00 per person. For a booking form or further information contact Anna-Marie or Geraldine at the Leitrim Design House on 071 96 50533 or email info@leitrimdesignhouse.ie
The Leitrim Design House supports local creative industries and helps conserve the cultural identity of County Leitrim.

Launch of Ireland's First Ecotourism Handbook

Fáilte Ireland and leading ecotourism organisation, Greenbox, today published Ireland’s first Ecotourism Handbook with support funding from Border Action. Launched today, the ‘Ecotourism Handbook for Ireland’ is aimed at people working in tourism and is a concise guide to help tourism businesses operate in a green environment.

The Ecotourism Handbook for Ireland will be distributed to over 3,000 tourism businesses by Fáilte Ireland over the next few months and at ecotourism awareness seminars, as a sign of its commitment to helping change the face of Irish tourism.

Speaking at the launch, Paul Keeley, Director of Business Development and Investment at Fáilte Ireland said -

“An environmental approach to tourism is not only an ethical choice but also a business necessity. As a nation, we sell ourselves as a “green” country. Visitor expectations of unspoilt landscapes and a green environment are part of the attraction that lures many to our shores. However, it is not just a matter of image. An environmental approach has the potential to yield cost-savings for tourism businesses – an important consideration given the challenges we face in the year ahead.”

The ‘Ecotourism Handbook for Ireland’ provides a wealth of detail including information on the ecotourism market, how to certify a green business, how to find ‘green’ funding, and how to market your ecotourism business.

Mary Mulvey, CEO of Greenbox said -

“I truly believe to create a strong ecotourism product will only come about through education and training at all levels of the industry from government, trade and industry partners in tourism to host communities, media and the consumers of tourism .Ireland has the potential to develop a quality ecotourism experience and this book will be a big help for any business where to get started.”

The need for an Ecotourism Handbook for Ireland arose out of the success of the Greenbox, Ireland’s first ecotourism destination. Martina Bromley, General Manager Fáilte Ireland North West, said -

“The success of the Greenbox Ecotourism Destination in the North-West has demonstrated to other tourism destinations of the potential that exists in the ecotourism market for Ireland.


The handbook draws heavily on the experience of ecotourism providers in the North-West and will provide practical assistance to tourism businesses throughout Ireland in making the transition to ecotourism so that they too can tap into this emerging and growing market”.

According to the International Ecotourism Society, the ecotourism market has been growing since the 1990’s at rate of between 20-34% every year. Although this varies from destination to destination, the average figure is still three times the growth rate of the industry as a whole.

Green Travel Writer and author of the handbook, Catherine Mack said –

“Sometimes I think that people working in tourism are afraid of the ‘eco’ word. There is a lot of confusion out there about what it means to be ethical, green, sustainable, eco, or responsible, call it what you will. People think it’s going to cost more, alienate their clientele, or put them in some sort of ‘green’ box. In writing this book, I hope to take away some of this fear, and show that it is the only way to move forward in tourism.”


The Ecotourism Handbook for Ireland will be available online at www.failteireland.ie.

Low Impact Living Article

This is a good article that was posted on the website www.lowimpactliving.com. It contains a write up on the Greenbox and some of its members: The Gyreum ecolodge, Necarne Manor and Ireland Ecotours.

See article below:

These days, Ireland is becoming known for more than simply verdant hills, green beer and leprechauns. In fact, the country has recently grown quite serious about becoming an eco-friendly destination for tourists. Renowned for its emerald-hued natural beauty which attracts flocks of tourists, Ireland is transforming itself into a country that is quickly becoming as environmentally green as its renowned, lush countryside.

The Irish government is aware that approximately 80% of tourists to Ireland feel that the country’s pristine environment and scenic landscapes are a “ very important ” factor in their choice of Ireland as a holiday destination, making its efforts to offer greener tourism options all the more important.

For those tempted to pursue a green visit to the Emerald Isle, the country’s tourism organizations make it easy.

When most tourists think of Ireland, thoughts turn to quaint inns and hotels. The good news is that there are a growing number of green options in this very fetching category. To encourage hotels to go green, the country offers Green Hospitality Awards. In 2008, 81 out of the island nation’s 960 hotels were honored with one of the new, but already coveted awards.
Many of these are featured on Greenbox, Ireland’s eco-tourism website. The country also participates in the European Union’s green hotel certification program, the EU Flower Eco-Label. Though the initiative is new, Ireland already boasts eighteen accommodations that have earned the label.

For a stay in a classic Georgian manor home, travelers can book a room at the Necarne Manor. With rolling lawns, woods and gardens and an equestrian center, the Gothic Revival estate is as beautiful as it is green. Guests can bike along a nearby trail to a nearby nature reserve and the inn uses organic, fair trade and locally-produced food, even sourcing compost from the on-site stables.

Those yearning for something edgier can try the yurt-inspired Gyreum Eco-Lodge which might best be described as über-green in an Al Gore-on-steroids kind of way. Wind turbines power geothermal heating, solar panels provide hot water, traditional toilets connect to a reed bed, and there’s even an outside compost toilet. Rain from the enormous roof is collected and used for showers and toilets.

For a green tour of Ireland’s, well, greenery, book with Ireland Eco Tours which visits well and lesser-known sites, all from the comfort of a vegetable oil-powered bus.

Even Dublin’s charming lanes and streets are turning green. Completely novel and yet to hit the roads in the U.S., Ecocabs offer Dublin residents and tourists a green alternative to traditional taxis. A fleet of modern passenger tricycles operating a free shuttle service daily from April 1st-December 31st, Ecocabs promote fitness while reducing noise, congestion and carbon emissions.
Failte, the Irish tourism agency, is so committed to greening that it has added an environment section to its web site. The section includes an environmental action plan and carbon strategy. The agency is currently working on environmental standards for conference centers and golf courses and has already reviewed environmental practices in the tourism sector. Talk about your transparent government, a copy of the report with recommendations is on its website.
But it’s not just leprechauns and tourist agencies that are green in Ireland—the Irish are pursuing as many green initiatives for their own benefit. May 22-24 is the annual National Greener Ireland fair which includes information on carbon footprint reduction, energy preservation, and organic produce.

On a grander scale, Sustainable Energy Ireland is a one-stop source for information about grants, saving energy, education, and business approaches to adopting a sustainable energy approach.

According to the Irish tourist agency, “The future of Irish tourism is inextricably linked to the quality of the environment. [The] scenic landscapes, coastline, rivers and lakes and cultural heritage are the bedrock upon which Irish tourism has been built.”
The efforts of the Irish to ensure their environment and tourism thrive are more than mere blarney. While the existence of leprechauns might be debated, the efforts of the Irish to go green are as real as the green hills of Ireland itself.

Small Green Business GETS BIG Green Award

PRESS RELEASE

Greenbox, Local politicians and business leaders join Orchard Acre Farm in celebrating a prestigious NI Environment Award

Orchard Acre Farm is at the forefront of green business and sustainable development and today celebrates winning the RTPI/RSPB Sustainable Planning Award. The award recognises buildings and planning processes that have high environmental standards. Orchard Acre Barn more than fits the bill.

The Fermanagh-based small farm business recently added an Eco Barn to its portfolio. The Barn has a function room which is bathed in natural light, a kitchen classroom with a wood burning stove that heats the whole building, and a design that boasts high levels of insulation.

Proprietor Teresa O’Hare said, “We are totally thrilled to receive this NI Award. We are a small business with big green standards. When we developed the Barn our aim was to give our guests and visitors beautiful facilities without costing the earth! For instance, we use sunlight in the conference Room, hot water from the solar panels and rain water in the toilets.”

The Barn represents a significant capital investment of over £200,000 for the Irvinestown based farm. The project was a recipient of capital funding from the Greenbox to support the eco tourism aspects of the farm business. The total grant funded 50% of the cost of building the barn. The environmental features were designed to reduce the farm's environmental 'footprint' and help minimise running costs through energy savings.
Teresa continued, “In the world of small businesses like mine, it’s about reducing costs. For Orchard Acre Farm our objectives to reduce environmental costs also helps us to save on running costs through energy efficiency, renewable energy and insulation. The people here present today at this celebration have helped me to put a business idea into reality. For the most part, this was done without compromise to our farm business’ high environmental standards. They should be just as proud as I am."

The awards panel noted the building won because of its sensitive use of vernacular architecture, hyper local building supplies which were recycled, use of renewable energy, as well as having insulation that incorporated solar panels.

Claire Ferry, Planning Officer of the RSPB, said, “This is a wonderful inspiration to us as Ms O’Hare saw the opportunity to convert an unused building and did so in an environmentally-friendly way. It goes to show that individuals do and can make a difference. The RSPB warmly congratulates her.”

Garvan Rafferty from the RTPI was equally effusive. “The Eco Barn demonstrates that environmental planning does not have to be done on a grand scale. Single buildings also make a difference – their cumulative effect is just as powerful as a ‘prestige’ project. We were impressed with the thought that was put into the redevelopment of the building,” he said. “I am really pleased that we have won the award. It means so much to us that we are able to say that the work that we have done has been recognised by organisations such as the RTPI and RSPB. We hope that this will encourage others to do the same – it benefits the local economy and the environment!” said Ms O’Hare

North Leitrim Glens Hill Walking Festival 2009

The Easter Hillwalking Festival takes place again this year in beautiful North Leitrim on April 11th and 12th 2009.

Organised by the Holey Soles Hill Walking Club, this two day event contains different lengths and types of walks to suit all walkers.

Registration takes place in Manorhamilton in the Castle Pub on Saturday, April 11th from 9.30am.

Download the full brochure here

Ard Nahoo Health Farm - Article in the Observer

Well done to Noeleen and everyone at Ard Nahoo Health Farm for their recent feature in the Guardian newspaper. Click on the link below to read:


http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2009/feb/22/green-holiday-ireland-atlantic-coast

RTE Travel: Ecoescape Ireland

Hello Everyone,

Follow the link below to read an article published by RTE Travel on Ecoescape Ireland: The handook to Responsible Escapism:

http://www.rte.ie/travel/2009/0220/ecoescapeireland.html

Failte Ireland Promotional Opportunity

Failte Ireland is continually trying to find creative and innovative ways to stimulate increased business. Attached you will find details of a unique promotional opportunity with Walkers crisps that we are supporting .

In 2009 Walkers are running a 'Gary's Great Trips' campaign. The promotion will feature on over 900 million crisp packs and will be supported by a substantial marketing campaign. Very simply, consumers will be invited to collect points from their crisp packs, and redeem them on the Walkers website for special offers. In Ireland these special offers are 3 for the price of two in accommodation and separately, 2 for the price of 1 on entry to tourist attractions. There are only 100 places available for accommodation providers and just 50 places available for visitor attractions.

Other key points are below:

The Discover Ireland logo will feature on c.50m packs distributed in Ireland and the UK
The promotion will be supported by gold standard grocery point-of-sale and £4 million media spend across TV, radio, online, press and PR
95% of the UK population was exposed to the multi-media and PR campaign last year!
Participating venues will have a dedicated section on the website communicating the offer & venue location
In 2008, 600,000 people registered with the website, their average dwell time was 4.5 minutes A massive 60% of consumers opted for further correspondence!
Promotion is in market from late May - August 2009, with redemptions running until end December 2009

All information, including an application form and contact details for further information are attached. This is a great opportunity to generate business but places are limited so you need to be quick!

On completion of forms: Email back by 26th February to: natasha@thebigkick.com & hbarnett@thebigkick.com

Please also send a signed copy back to:
· Fax 01727 85797
· Posting to Harriet Barnett at Walkers Gary Great Trips, c/o The Big Kick, The Old Station House, Orient Close, London Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 1JD


If you have any important queries please contact either Harriet Barnett on +44 1727 220351 or Natasha Abbas on +44 1727 220354. The closing date for applications is: 26th February 2009.

Enterprise Ireland Innovation Vouchers

Dear Network Members,

Please see details below on a funding opportunity that you may wish to avail of:

If you own or manage a small limited company with a company registration number and you have a business opportunity or problem that you want to explore, why not apply for an Innovation Voucher worth €5,000?

The objective of the Innovation Voucher initiative is to build links between Ireland's public knowledge providers and small businesses and create a cultural shift in the small business community's approach to innovation.

Enterprise Ireland are delighted to announce that the Innovation Voucher Initiative is now running in Northern Ireland also. By linking up with Invest Northern Ireland, Enterprise Ireland can now offer voucher holders access to an additional 10 Knowledge Providers in Northern Ireland.

Visit the website below for details on how to apply:

http://www.innovationvouchers.ie/

Tai Chi Classes, Manorhamilton

Tai Chi (Taiji) is a martial art and health exercise that has been proven to relax and strengthen both body and mind.
The exercises can help to improve posture, balance and co-ordination -
Tai Chi is considered suitable for most People

Beginners are most welcome
10 week course
Starts: Tuesday 3rd February
Time: 6 - 7.30pm
Venue: The Castle Bar, Castle St.
Manorhamilton
For further information Contact:
Gill Keogh (Instructor)
Tel: 086 6064037

Request from the Irish Examiner

Dear All,

Please see email below received from Jane at the Irish Examiner:

Name: Jane Alexander
Email: jane@janealexander.org
Telephone: 01398 324314 (UK)
Message: Hello, I\'m researching a feature for the Irish Examiner on alternative ways to celebrate Valentine\'s Day (plus gifts) and wondered if there were any courses or events happening around that time - 14th February - that might fit the bill.
Best wishes
Jane Alexander