Burren and Cliffs of Moher site shortlisted for award

The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark has been shortlisted as a finalist for a major international tourism and travel honour in the The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards.

The World Travel and Tourism Council is expected to announce the winner of the awards, which are being held at Hainan in China, later today.

The geopark was recognised as a top sustainable tourism destination when it was chosen as one of the 18 finalists.

Other finalists include Bonito in Brazil and Costa Navarino in Greece.

Minister for Tourism Leo Varadkar has flown to the tourist summit where 56 countries applied to win the award this year.

Carol Gleeson, project manager for Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, said the nomination was a testament to the hard work of regional development agencies and local community to promote sustainable tourism.

"Since 2008, Clare County Council has been working in the Burren to develop a truly sustainable tourism destination that gives direct benefits to the local community, promotes and celebrates local culture and produce, preserves the environment and provides a great experience for our visitors," she said.

Costas Christ, chairman of the judging panel for the awards, said the award recognised best practices that helped transform the industry based on environmentally friendly operations.

“This year’s finalists continue to demonstrate that when carefully managed, tourism can be a powerful force for improving livelihoods and protecting our planet for future generations,” he said.