Geopark backing to drive tourism

Geopark backing to drive tourism

16 May 2018

ONE of Northern Ireland’s leading hotel chains is backing plans to secure a world renowned tourism designation for an area stretching across a huge area from Strangford Lough to South Armagh.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council is seeking prestigious UNESCO geopark status for an area taking in the Mournes, Ring of Gullion and the Strangford and Lecale Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Geoparks are based around significant areas of geology and are set up to support sustainable economic development of an area, primarily through geological and eco-tourism.

This week, the Hastings Hotels group has weighed in with its support for the bid to secure the international designation which it believes can significantly boost the number of visitors to the area.

A committee has been established to spearhead the geopark bid which is in its early stages, with the formal application not expected to be submitted until November next year.

Those behind the ambitious plan insist securing geopark status is primarily about environmental sustainability and, at the same time, trying to increase economic revenue in a part of the world already revered for its stunning beauty. 

Among those supportive of the bid to secure geopark branding is Stephen Meldrum, general manager of Newcastle’s Slieve Donard Resort and Spa.

“Many geoparks work in partnership with local hotels to provide interpretative centres, dedicated concierges and even tour guides,” he explained.

“This initiative has the potential to significantly boost visitor numbers to the area. Geopark status would differentiate the region and give it a much stronger and cohesive market identity.”

The geopark brand does not impose any restrictions on farming practices, planning or development. If successful, the brand will use the geological heritage of the three areas to develop sustainable tourism that generates economic benefits, while providing recreational opportunities and increased awareness of the area’s natural assets. 

It will involve people in their landscape and work with local landowners, businesses and communities, with typical activities in a geopark including walking and cycling trails, training local people to act as guides, the provision of information signage and development of visitor centres.

Dr Kirstin Lemon, from the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland — who has been talking to people at local public information events — explained the area under consideration had many “unique qualities” which made it an ideal candidate for geopark status.

She said there were currently three geoparks on the island of Ireland centred on the Marble Arch Caves in Fermanagh, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare and the Copper Coast Geopark in Co Waterford, which contribute £15.2m to the economy each year.

“There are many examples from around the world of where geoparks have worked in partnership with local hotels such as the Hong Kong geopark that has two dedicated geopark hotels,” she continued.

“Each hotel has committed to training staff members, delivering specific geopark tour packages and providing geopark information points and have even a developed a menu inspired by local geological heritage.”

Dr Lemon added: “The current application will ensure there is an ongoing emphasis on developing geotourism, while the underlying ethos of geoparks will support the direction of the Newry, Mourne and Down Council tourism strategy which explores, develops and identifies links between the natural heritage, particularly the geological heritage, and all other aspects of the area’s abundant heritage assets.”

Council chairwoman Roisin Mulgrew said the proposed geopark will bring “significant economic benefits” and have an important role to play in empowering local communities, giving them the opportunities to develop cohesive partnerships with the common goal of promoting the area’s significant geological and other heritage.”

Further information on the geopark branding process is available at www.unesco.org.