The 12 Principles of Sustainable Tourism are to:
1. Preserve our protected areas, through increased awareness and the provision of support.
2. Make tourism more sustainable whilst taking into account the needs of local residents/businesses, visitors and the environment.
3. Actively involve all those involved in tourism in its development and management.
4. Prepare and implement a sustainable tourism strategy and action plan.
5. Protect and enhance the area’s natural and cultural heritage whilst protecting it from excessive tourism development.
6. Provide a high quality experience for all visitors.
7. Communicate effectively to visitors about the special qualities of the area.
8. Encourage specific tourism products which enable discovery and understanding of the area.
9. Increase knowledge of the protected area and sustainability issues amongst all those involved in tourism.
10. Ensure that tourism supports the quality of life for local residents.
11. Increase benefits from tourism to the local economy.
12. Monitor and influence visitor flows to reduce negative impacts. |
In August 2003 the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, managed by the Mourne Heritage Trust was awarded the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas.
