Donegal aims to create a roadmap for sustainable tourism

Stakeholders from Tourism, Enterprise and the University from the region were invited to an online meeting on the 5th of September with Donegal Country Council Tourism Unit. A brief overview of INTERREG Europe (2021–2027) was given and the TOURBO project was introduced, together with its key goals, activities, and anticipated outcomes. Stakeholders were updated on the activities of the Project so far including a summary of the Kick-Off meeting in Seville. Strategies for the development of sustainable tourism in the area were examined with numerous ideas and examples discussed. Concern regarding future tourism in the region was highlighted and viable solutions acknowledged. 

All Stakeholders want to create a roadmap to do it right. They believe it is important to identify the SMEs who are the most suited to the program and policies. They want the TOURBO project to add value to tourism SMEs and not duplicate what is already accomplished. Donegal Tourism and stakeholders had an engaging discussion about the potential for regional tourism growth through green and digital transformation. The stakeholders were keen to find out about effective methods for fostering the viability and digitalisation of local tourism SMEs. 

To advance effective and high-quality "green and sustainable tourism" policies across the EU, the good practises that Donegal Tourism and Stakeholders identify will be shared with project partners. Each Stakeholder gave an insight into what their role in the project would be and what they hope the project will achieve for SMEs in the region. 

At the next meeting, the policies and good practices identified by the Partner and Stakeholders will be discussed and three good practices will be decided on.