Ambassadors Training Module

A new training module aimed at promoting the culture, heritage and environment of the Burren is set to be rolled out to tourist guides, coach drivers and staff of tourism-related businesses.

Pictured at the launch of the module are Carol Gleeson, Manager of Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO; Margaret Jenkins, Failte Ireland; Des Annett, President of ITOA; Ruth Andrews, CEO, ITOA; Geraldine Enright, Director of Cliffs of Moher Experience; Siobhan King, Failte Ireland. Back L-R: George Quinn, Chairperson, Burren Ecotourism Network; Mark O’Shaughnessy, Cliffs of Moher Experience.

The Ambassadors Training Module for the UNESCO Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark encourages participants to become knowledgeable ambassadors and custodians during their journey and in their interactions with visitors to the Burren and County Clare in general.

Jointly funded by Clare County Council, the Cliffs of Moher Experience and Fáilte Ireland under its Burren & Cliffs of Moher Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP), the programme features five separate modules focusing on UNESCO Global Geoparks, The Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren Ecotourism Network and Leave No Trace, which promotes responsible outdoor recreation.

Drivers and guides affiliated with the Incoming Tour Operators Association (ITOA) will be the first to be invited and undergo the training programme before, it is anticipated, it will be extended and rolled out to staff of businesses across Clare.

“Tourism is a vital part of the Clare economy, and having the UNESCO Global Geopark designation in the Burren and Cliffs of Moher region is integral to how tourism businesses operate in the area and how they ensure that all that County Clare has to offer will be sustained and available to future generations,” said Carol Gleeson, Manager of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.