EcoTourism Award 2012

CycleWest Ireland are delighted to have been awarded the Gold Level Tour Operator Certificate by EcoTourism Ireland for its endeavours in ecotourism. CycleWest Ireland looks forward to working with EcoTourism Ireland in promoting the concept of environmental sustainability throughout the West of Ireland.

The Ecotourism Ireland Quality Label has been declared a GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) Recognized Standard as of January 16th, 2012.

 “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people”. (TIES, 2005)

Ecotourism Ireland is an organisation set up to stimulate the development of ecotourism countrywide. To achieve these ends we have facilitated the development of an ecotourism quality label that we hope will stimulate the development of new ecotourism experiences in Ireland and at the same time defend the ethical values of existing ecotourism operators.

According to EcoTourism Ireland, Gold Level Eco Certified Tour Operators are at the forefront of the industry. They are tourism businesses dedicated to educating tourists about the natural world and local culture. They are striving to be environmentally innovative and socially responsible. Their ecotourism products have a positive impact on the environment, local communities, and their clients. They will invest both time and money to maintain positive ecotourism practices.

 “We know that, increasingly, international travellers are looking for unique, authentic experiences that are sustainable. Consumers today care about the environment, local communities and locally-produced food when they travel. Again and again our research shows us that, in addition to our friendly people, our beautiful scenery and our natural, unspoilt environment are some of our unique selling points. We therefore very much welcome the news that Ecotourism Ireland is among the first labels in Europe to be formally recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.”

Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland

Volvo Ocean Race 2012
Celebrate with CycleWest Ireland! 

Galway is a vibrant city with a labyrinth of winding medieval streets, waterways and a maritime history and culture dating back centuries. Situated on the west coast of Ireland along the shores of Galway Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Galway has long been considered a centre of cultural excellence and looks forward to extending a Céad Míle Fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes) to the Volvo Ocean Race Round the World.

Galway’s most exciting Festival Event in 2012 will be the Volvo Ocean Race Grand Finale which is set to enthrall the city from the 30th June to the 8th July 2012. As well as playing host to a festival which will last about 10 days, Galway City will also host the closing ceremony for the Ocean Race.

Let CycleWest Ireland be your host before, during and after this promising event. Just simply select your tour dates with CycleWest Ireland, extend your stay to Galway City and we can assist in planning it all – just remember to book early to avoid being disappointed!

The Volvo Ocean Race fleet will arrive in from Lorient to Galway on the 3rd July 2012 to the biggest festival in Ireland, that will embrace all cultures from each of the race stopovers. The Race Festival will take place from 30th June - 8th July 2012, when a fleet of up to 12 Volvo ‘Open 70’ class boats will arrive at Galway Harbour on the penultimate leg from Lorient in France. Over 40,000 international visitors are expected to travel to the city for the finish of the Volvo Round the World Ocean Race in 2012.

The Volvo Ocean Race Grand Finale 2011-2012 will be an 8 day festival of marine, sport, culture and arts, entertainment and food. Galway will extend the festival to include the Global Village across the harbour which will add to the entertainment and hospitality focus of the Race Village with a networking, exhibition and conference area for the business to business sector. The Galway Global Village will feature shows, exhibitions, entertainment and an unprecedented Grand Finale to the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012. The In-Port race is on the 7th July, after which the winner of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012 will be declared.

Come join the fun with CycleWest Ireland!

Gold Certificate Tour Operator Award from Ecotoursim Ireland 2012

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Core to providing an ecoTourism experience is that our business is committed to the adoption of environmentally friendly practices and comunicating our environmental committment.

CycleWest Ireland Ltd   Ph: +353 91 877323
Email: tours@cyclewest.com
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 5.30pm GMT