On 19th and 20th september 2024 the WenaTour project partners gathered in Thurles, Ireland to discuss the progress made so far and the upcoming activities planned for 2025, which will mark the beginning of the second year and the project’s most intensive phase.
The Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting is hosted by a different partner every six months, and this time, it was Ireland’s turn. The group was welcomed by the TUS (Technological University of the Shannon) on their Thurles campus, with sunny weather adding to the warm hospitality.
This meeting was not only an opportunity to align on project goals but also a chance to explore the beautiful Tipperary region in southern Ireland. From the iconic Rock of Cashel to local sustainable tourism initiatives, project partners gained a deeper understanding of the area’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Technological University of the Shannon (TUS)
TUS is an Irish university with over 15,000 students spread across seven campuses in four counties located in the Midlands and Midwest of Ireland. As a regionally focused institution, its values reflect inclusivity, supportiveness, ambition, innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. TUS also coordinates the European Regional Network University, which boasts a student body of 67,000.
Project Updates
Key updates shared during the meeting include:
- The completion and delivery of the four sustainable tourism case studies. Each case study is presented in a factsheet format, providing insights into sustainable tourism destination management and best practices. Check them out here
- Progress on the preparation of three upcoming reports: the EU Report on Sustainable Tourism, the EU Outlook Report on Existing and Emerging Sustainable Tourism Destination Markets, and the Report on Sustainable Tourism Beneficiaries’ Training Needs Assessment.
- Key milestones for 2025: the development of the online training course for Sustainability Managers for Tourism Destinations, the official launch of the Alliance for Innovation and Sustainability Education in Welfare, Nature, and Tourism, further advancing the project’s impact on sustainable tourism education.
Tourism in Tipperary County
During the visit, the group explored two notable tourist destinations in Tipperary County. The renowned Rock of Cashel, a historic site known for its impressive medieval architecture and significance in Irish history, stood out as a key attraction. The visit also included a stop at the award-winning Cottage Shop & Tearooms, a community-owned cooperative established in 2012 to combat rural isolation and promote social inclusion in Loughmore and its surrounding areas. This charming venue offered a welcoming spot to enjoy a soup and a cup of tea, embodying the warmth of the local community.
