In a landmark achievement for sustainable tourism in Ireland, Dublin-based Brendan Vacations has become the first Irish tour operator to earn the gold standard certification for sustainability from the Sustainable Tourism Network (STN).
The Sustainable Tourism Network is Ireland’s leading sustainable tourism training organisation. Its mission is to transform the Irish tourism industry into a regenerative business sector that respects and protects the environment, but also supports local communities and makes better places for people to live and work in.
This certification means travellers booking with Brendan Vacations can be confident their journeys support environmental protection and community development, all while preserving cultural heritage.
In 2022, The Travel Corporation (TTC), Brendan’s parent company, became the first global tour operator with validated net zero targets by the Science Based Targets initiative, further advancing their road to net zero and climate responsibility.
Some Of The Highlights Of Brendan Vacation’s Efforts Include:
● Introduced a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Checklist for chauffeurs and guests to encourage
responsible behavior on every journey.
● All members of their Sustainability Squad engage with climate action training and signage
around the business reminds and encourages the team to think and act sustainably.
● Adopted 100% renewable electricity, with goals to reduce electricity use by 10% per
employee by the end of 2025.
● BV has replaced the entire office lighting with LED system and motion sensors in hallways to
automatically control lighting
● BV offers meaningful local experiences through working with local guides to the places they
visit to ensure they maintain the living cultural & traditional heritage of each place
● When working with suppliers, they are asked to share their sustainability policy and when
meeting new suppliers at workshops and events, they ask them if they have any sustainability
updates or stories to share with their team and guests.
● Future plans include working towards a carbon footprint reduction of 10% in our carbon
emissions by the end of 2025
The STN Gold Certification is awarded only after a comprehensive audit and review of over 80 criteria across environmental, social, and economic sustainability metrics.
In the words of the independent auditor: “Drawing on the comprehensive sustainability initiatives already in place, Brendan Vacations is
clearly demonstrating a strong commitment to responsible operations. These ongoing efforts and the positive sustainable trajectory as experienced during the onsite audit suggest a promising and sustainable future for Brendan Vacations. Therefore it is recommended that
Brendan Vacations receive the Gold Sustainable Tourism Network Tour Operator Certification.”
Speaking about the certification, Rob Rankin, Director of Sustainable Tourism Network stated: “The remarkable accomplishment of achieving our gold certification serves as a testament to Brendan Vacation’s unwavering dedication to responsible tourism practices and sustainability”
Reflecting the accomplished milestone, Catherine Reilly, Managing Director of Brendan Vacations, stated: “We are delighted to receive the news of our certification. At Brendan Vacations we are committed to offering experiences that support the protection and conservation of the local heritage, culture and environment of the places we bring our visitors and ensuring a viable and economic benefit to local communities and of course to our team and business. With the support of Sustainable Tourism Network, and through this certification, we have paved a foundation to grow ethically, responsibly and committed to consistently improve in this manner.”
“The process that tourism businesses go through as they train with the Sustainable Tourism Network is transformative and provocative,” Mr Rankin commented.
“We are so impressed with Brendan Vacations. They are examples of how tourism can uphold tradition and conservation when designed authentically and responsibly. We are just delighted to see them reaping the rewards of their hard work – both in terms of savings but also in terms of the reputation of their business.”
The Sustainable Tourism Network has also announced that both the Killarney Park Hotel and The Ross Hotel in Co Kerry have been awarded the prestigious gold level certification in sustainable tourism.
The Killarney Park Hotel is a 5-star hotel, which is located in the heart of Killarney, Co Kerry, is a family run business headed up by Marcus Treacy where there is an emphasis on getting to know our guests individually and offering a fully personalised experience.
But behind all the luxury lies enormous dedication to sustainability and a devotion to minimising negative impacts and maximising positive ones.
Likewise, family run sister and boutique-style hotel, The Ross Hotel, under the leadership of Ciara Treacy, has shown that sustainability is not just an initiative but an integral part of the hotel’s operations and culture.
Some of the highlights of the Killarney Park Hotel and The Ross Hotel’s efforts include:
Energy efficiency
● Introducing smart technology into guest rooms, including an eco-mode that activates
three minutes after a guest departs.
● New energy efficient heat pumps and a new air handling unit for the hotel’s pool.
● Flat roofs have been re-insulated and partially covered with sedum roofing to soak up
rain water.
Focus on local
● Actively selecting local suppliers with compatible values, reducing transportation
emissions and supporting local businesses. Examples include:
○ Spillane’s Seafood which does not use plastic packaging and utilises solar
panels for 35% of their energy.
○ Boatyard and Drumshanbo gin and whiskey for making delicious zero-waste
cocktails.
○ Gareth Poppa Doms, a local family farmer, works with the head chef to
create seasonal product lists to maximise the use of local products. This
initiative also led to the creation of a herb garden on site under Gareth’s
mentorship.
Food waste
● Using AI food cameras to weigh waste from plates and preparation, generating daily
reports to identify patterns.
Reducing single-use plastics
● Using refillable toiletries.
● Using reusable items like straws and water bottles.
● Eliminating plastic bags in bedrooms.
● Refill stations and on-site water filtration systems so that all ‘bottled’ water is
produced on-site.
Staff wellbeing
● Using the app Alkimmi to keep staff in the loop on everything, including sustainability
initiatives.
● Focus on mental health and wellbeing with monthly staff outings from April to
December.
● Staff houses for those who are not living locally.
● ‘Golden Ticket’ event with locally sourced prizes and monthly awards for staff.
Community
● Support staff engaging with the local community through staff charity days and
initiatives.
● Actively involved in the Killarney coffee cup project.
● Active members of Killarney Tidy Towns.
● Donate money raised from water sales in the restaurant to local charities.
The independent auditor said: “Following a site visit to the Killarney Park Hotel and The Ross Hotel and through engagement with the staff, it is clear both hotels are deeply committed to sustainability, as is evident through its various practices and initiatives.
“The staff are actively engaged with the hotels’ sustainability goals, and their practices are embedded across various departments.
This holistic approach towards sustainability goes beyond single initiatives and shows a dedication to minimising the hotel’s environmental impact. The hotel’s dedication to environmental responsibility and social responsibility is to be commended.”
Speaking about the certification, Rob Rankin, Director of Sustainable Tourism Network stated: “The remarkable accomplishment of achieving our gold certification serves as a testament to both hotels’ unwavering dedication in meeting and exceeding the stipulated criteria, while upholding the highest standards.
“We are so impressed with the Killarney Park Hotel and The Ross Hotel. They prove that high-end luxury products and offerings can be truly powerful leaders when it comes to sustainability. We are just delighted to see them reaping the rewards of their hard work – both in terms of savings but also in terms of the reputation of their business and being seen as leaders in wonderful Killarney. The process that tourism businesses go through as they train with the Sustainable Tourism Network is transformative and provocative.”
Ciara Treacy, proprietor at The Ross Hotel, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive the Gold Sustainable Tourism Network Certification. Sustainability isn’t just a policy here at The Ross – it’s woven into how we operate every day. From reducing food waste in
the kitchen to supporting our local community, our entire team is involved and proud of what we’ve achieved together.”
Proprietor and general manager of the Killarney Park Hotel, Marcus Treacy stated: “Achieving the Gold Sustainable Tourism Network Certification is a proud moment for all of us at The Killarney Park. Sustainability is not just something we do – it’s part of who we are.
“From energy upgrades and zero-waste cocktails to working closely with local producers, our entire team has embraced this journey, and we’re excited to keep building on it.”
Mr Treacy emphasised that sustainable tourism is not solely about a business’s energy, waste and water. It also focuses on biodiversity, building resilient, thriving local communities, and conserving culture and heritage, both for locals and visitors alike.
Globally, tourism accounted for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions from 2009 to 2013, making the sector a bigger polluter than the construction industry. However, as Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, tourism is vital to our economy, and particularly to the economy
of rural Ireland. So it’s critical that this industry becomes a sustainable one.
