ABC Sustainable Business Pathway Programme

Eligibility criteria

This programme is most suitable for business owners or senior decision-makers with fixed premises or assets that can be assessed for sustainability improvements.

There is no requirement to have any previous sustainability knowledge or certification as the modules are designed to support businesses at all stages of their sustainability journey.

Expressions of interest from various tourism businesses; however, the following are not eligible to apply

• Destination Management Organisations
• Tourism Clusters
• Tour guides
• Visitor Information
• Business start-ups
• Businesses primarily focused on craft, food, or retail without a participatory visitor experience

Additional information

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, in partnership with Tourism NI, invites expressions of interest from tourism businesses in the borough to participate in the ABC Sustainable Business Pathway Programme.

This fully-funded programme offers structured mentoring and training, enabling businesses across the borough to develop sustainable tourism offerings, reduce waste, water, and energy consumption, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability. The programme is facilitated by The Tourism Space. 

Programme benefits

By completing the ABC Sustainable Business Pathway Programme, businesses will have gained the appropriate skills to

• measure their carbon footprint and set meaningful improvement targets
• develop a Sustainability Action Plan that includes climate action, biodiversity, accessibility, outdoor ethics, and marketing
• lead in sustainable experience development, setting an example for others
• learn how to collaborate and share their collective destination story
• understand the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2030, and take action towards these goals
• showcase sustainable practices and experiences across Northern Ireland
• join a growing cohort of sustainable tourism professionals, committed to climate change through tourism practices

Business will also gain additional support

• guidance on completing a carbon calculator for their business
• one-to-one mentoring
• access to a dedicated online learning hub
• access to enhanced learning opportunities as part of the cohort
• national PR opportunities through programme promotion

While the core programme is fully-funded, participants are strongly encouraged to achieve the Level 4 Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Practice in Destinations through Ulster University. The cost for this certification is £200 and does not require additional work to what is included in the core programme.

How to apply

To apply, businesses are asked to complete an expression of interest, which is designed to identify their current level of sustainable knowledge and their ambitions for participation.