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Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference 2019
Our annual Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference is a thought provoking, educational and inspirational day with amazing speakers. This event is a must for future-focused tourism businesses that want to improve their sustainability credentials. It’s packed with insights from both international and Irish leaders in their fields. Filled with practical advice, as well as inspiration from business owners that have transformed their operations and taken the lead in responsible, sustainable and regenerative tourism.
Our Inspiring Speakers
Dr. Cara Augstuenborg
Environmental scientist, climate change expert, media pundit, college lecturer and so much much more, Cara will not be afraid to address the hard facts. But with the facts comes a great understanding of how we can pull together to create a bright future, and this talk will leave you empowered. Cara was appointed by Minister Denis Naughten as an advisor to Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency in 2016 and the first National Dialogue on Climate Action in 2017. She also serves as an advisor to Cool Planet Experience’s Climate Champion programme. Cara also had a key role to play in RTE climate action week where she examined the disturbing consequences of extreme global weather and ask the question: Will Ireland Survive 2050? http://www.caraaugustenborg.com/
Kenny Jacobs, Chief Marketing officer for Ryanair
Under kennys directions, last year Ryanair introduced voluntary carbon offset scheme where customers can offset the carbon cost of their flight by making a voluntary donation to its climate charity partners at the end of the booking process. This year, Kenny was responsible for Ryanair became the first airline to report monthly CO₂ emissions and later this year he will re-launch Ryanair’s ambitious environmental policy. As an Island we cannot escape the fact that a huge amount of our visitors arrive via air. Kenny will address the issues facing the aviation industry and the need for drastic change.
Killian Stokes, Moyee Coffee
Killian and Shane took moyee coffee to ireland after there travels in coffee growing regions where they had been struck by the challenges the farmers they met where facing Moyee coffee goes one step ahead of fairtrade to become fair chain Moyee coffee not only support coffee farmers but also the communities in these areas.
Panel 1: Industry experts – Making Waves
ITOA/ AVEA- Ruth Andrews
IHF – Michael Lennon
Fáilte – Shane Dineen
Tourism Ireland – Fiona Dunne
ITOA, AVEA, IHF, Tourism Ireland & Fáilte Ireland will discuss their plans and policies for sustainability in the near future.
Anna Pollock
We are delighted to announced Anna Pollock as our acclaimed international keynote speaker. Anna describes herself as ‘a sense maker, communicator, and catalyst’ whose goal is to change mindsets and break down barriers. Anna has an extensive career as a researcher, strategist and change catalyst serving the international tourism and hospitality sector. Her approach is both practical and visionary and we know that she will galvanise attendees into making changes and taking action.
Panel 2: Leading marketers in sustainability – Marketing your sustainability
Sandymount Hotel – Ciara
Croke Park – Míde
Moyee Coffee – Killian Stokes
Rock Farm Slane – Carina Mount Charles
Esther Dobbin & Cillian Murphy
Esther and Cillian are going to address the importance of sustainable planning. Esther is from The National Trust, Cillian from a history of community work and representation on Loop Head and together they are conducting research into tourism impacts on the Causeway coast. We welcome them to share some valuable insights to date.
Jane Magnier, Abbey Tours
Abbey tours, is one of Ireland’s leading destination management companies (no need to include this as everyone will know). Abbey are currently seeking certification with Ecotourism Ireland/Sustainable Travel Ireland as a sustainable tourism business. Jane will discuss Abbey tours journey to sustainability.
Mary Mulvey, Ecotourism Ireland
Founder of Ecotourism Ireland, Mary is renowned both nationally and internationally as a leading expert and professional in her field. She has spoken at numerous international conferences and trained groups throughout Europe. Mary has been spearheading the cause of sustainable tourism in Ireland for 15 years now. Mary will discuss key insights into consumer demand for sustainable tourism.
Colm O’Regan
Colm O’Regan is a critically acclaimed and award-winning broadcaster, author and comedian who has in recent years been increasingly focused on environmental matters. As chairperson of his local environmental group since 2013 he has organised monthly clean-ups – up to 100 so far-, organised outreach with schools and other community groups to increase awareness of environmental and littering issues. He has lobbied local government on a number of local issues. Through his comedy work he has teamed up a number of times with Clean Coasts – an An Taisce project – to promote the Two Minute Beach clean as well as writing a series of columns for the Sunday Independent on the project as well. Through his Irish Examiner column he has written on climate change and other environmental issues. Even his bestselling critically acclaimed debut novel had an eco-theme! It dealt with the battles between a local Tidy Town group and a Hollywood film crew
Tina O’Dwyer, The Tourism Space
Tina is a professionally certified trainer, coach and mentor, and has partnered with national tourism bodies, industry organisations, state agencies and local authorities for over a decade.
She runs her own tourism consultancy business, The Tourism Space, took a leadership role in the Burren Ecotourism Network in the past and has worked with Ecotourism Ireland on many occasions. Tina understand the challenges and frustrations for business owners, particularly with regard to embracing the changing external environment. Tina will deliver a seminar on how where to go from here.
Check Out Our Previous Conferences And See How We Inspire Sustainable Action
Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference 2025
Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference 2024
Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference 2023
