UK Tourism first for Mournes and Slieve Croob
The Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty recently became the first area in the UK to be successfully re-assessed for the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, awarded by the Europarc Federation. Dr Arthur Mitchell, on behalf of Mourne Heritage Trust, picked up the award at a ceremony in Stromstad, Sweden, which coincided with a celebration of the 100 year anniversary of the establishment in that country of Europe’s first ever national park.
The Charter is a practical management tool that enables high value landscape areas to develop tourism sustainably aiming for ‘the protection of the natural and cultural heritage and the continuous improvement of tourism in the area in terms of the environmental sustainability and economic and social contribution to the local population and businesses’.
The core element of the Charter is working in partnership with all relevant stakeholders to develop a common sustainable tourism strategy and action plan on the basis of a thorough situation analysis. The panel which assessed Mournes credentials praised the extent to which it had developed, communicated and led on shared vision for tourism in the area concluding that ‘Five years ago Mourne Heritage Trust positioned itself centre stage in engaging local and regional bodies as well with as private sector businesses. This has continued by maintaining positive relationships, advocacy and in being the catalyst for funding for mainly private sector projects that further support the tourism offer, yet importantly promote the sustainability message. The progress on the journey towards excellence is underway and has momentum’.
Among the projects seen as contributing to implementing the Charter principles were walking trails which help to tell the story of the area, including the Granite Trail at Newcastle and Silent Valley Nature Trail, as well as public infrastructure catering for particular target groups, like the angling facilities at Corbet Lough for people with disabilities. Study trips and training courses were also highlighted by the assessors as instrumental in building awareness among tourism operators of Charter principles, with one to the Centre for Green Technologies in Wales in particular spawning many ideas for enterprising local businesses, large and small. Other activities highlighted included village improvement schemes, promotion of local produce and installation of pieces of public art, which, the assessors felt, showed that what is good for the visitor can also be good for the locals.
Back in 2003, when the Trust first put itself forward for the Charter no other areas in the UK had achieved the accreditation, but ten have now have followed where the Mourne Heritage Trust led including the Brecon Beacons in Wales, Cairngorms in Scotland and Yorkshire Dales in England. In all there are 75 Charter areas across Europe spanning seven countries including France, Spain, Germany and Italy.
Accepting the award Dr Mitchell said: ‘I am delighted that the Mourne and Slieve Croob AONB will be able to continue to benefit from this prestigious accreditation until 2013. As well as the international profile it confers, we look forward to its continued positive influence on the development of the visitor experience and of the tourism sector in this special place. I must make a point of thanking all our partners including funders in the form of Banbridge, Down and Newry and Mourne Councils, NI Environment Agency, NI Tourist Board and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Further thanks are due to the tourism businesses and community representatives who so readily embraced the Charter process as an opportunity for the area. This award is recognition to them and we look forward to continuing to work with these partners to ensure they benefit form it’.
