The GDS Index in its 11th year, is a longstanding benchmark with a published methodology and an independent assessment process, with Kerry involved from the beginning. This year, 81 destinations participated, and overall the index has recorded its highest average performance since benchmarking began in 2016. Here in Kerry we have increased our score from 82.80 points out of 100 last year to 84.24/100 this year.
Co. Kerry’s application, co-led by Becky Cornforth during her time at Kerry Convention Bureau, Grainne Kelliher, Chair of Kerry Tourism Industry Federation’s Sustainability Sub-Committee, was supported greatly by Cathy Fisher and Noreen O’Mahony of Kerry County Council.
Fearghal Reidy, Chief Executive of Kerry County Council stated: “I am delighted that Kerry is consistently first in the Republic of Ireland in the Global Destination Sustainability Index. Tourists want to know that, while they are in Kerry, they are part of a community that cherishes our key asset – our rich environment. Thank you to the team at the Kerry Convention Bureau, Kerry County Council and the businesses and communities that make this possible.”
Attaining excellent in this space, along with being part of this global index of destinations has created a momentum that is felt within the county. Kerry’s success is once again due to the great work being done around sustainability by businesses in all corners of Kerry, the volunteerism and commitment within businesses and the collaboration between public and private sectors.
Breffni Ingerton, Chair of Kerry Convention Bureau congratulated the result for Co. Kerry: “Achieving such a high score in the Global Destination Sustainability Index is a tremendous endorsement of the commitment, collaboration and ambition demonstrated across Kerry’s tourism and business events sector. This recognition reinforces our position as a destination that is not only world-class and industry-leading, but genuinely committed to sustainable growth, continuous improvement, and excellence.”
Progress is assessed across four pillars: Environmental, Social, Supplier and Destination Management, and is experienced across the county as a catalyst for change. www.discoverkerry.com as the home of the unified Visit, Work and Live place brand for Kerry continues to be a superb platform where we in Kerry tell our sustainability stories, share community events with visitors and locals alike, as well as showcasing events where everyone can get involved from beach clean ups to Heritage Week.
Pat O’Leary, Chair of Kerry Tourism Industry Federation commended the county-wide effort, stating: “This incremental improvement year on year is testament to the commitment of all stakeholders in the county in achieving our sustainability goals. We must continue to build on our progress in the GDS table over the past eleven years, evaluate the feedback from our performance this year and address those areas where our peers appear to excel. The learnings in respect of regenerative and sustainability practices in destinations across Europe and globally will inform our strategic focus and extend community and industry commitment through investment and innovative practices. The goal is to make Kerry the benchmark for destination sustainability internationally.”
Image credits: Glen Bowler, Skellig Coast Archaeology Festival, Fáilte Ireland & Kerry Tourism Industry Federation