ecotourism ireland

Benefiting Local Communities

Ecotourism is about creating benefits for the local communities. Operators are
encouraged to support local employment, especially in relation to the hiring of
local guides, and a measure is dedicated to the provision of work experience for
local people interested in becoming involved in ecotourism. The scheme also
hopes to ensure that those involved in farming local and organic food, producing
local arts and crafts and running rural pubs will see direct benefits coming from
ecotourism development in their region. Ecotourism Ireland is strongly supportive of community groups who want to develop ecotourism experiences and all operators are encouraged to give sponsorship and voluntary time to organisations that benefit the local community such as sports clubs and youth groups.