TIDY TOWNS 2009

A friend of mine who lives in Australia was home last week on one of his rare visits. Naturally, we took the opportunity to catch up. In the course of our discussion, he said he was struck by how much cleaner Ireland had become over the past few years. How nice to hear something positive! A lot of credit is due to the efforts of TidyTowns Ireland who encourage communities across the country to take pride in their local towns and villages. Congratulations to Emly, Co. Tipperary, the overall National Awards Winner 2009.

CLIFFS OF MOHER - NEW 7 WONDERS OF NATURE FINALIST

Some good news for Irish tourism with the news that The Cliffs of Moher has made it to the final stage of the New 7Wonders of Nature competition. A public vote over the next two years will decide who makes the final seven. The competition is stiff including the Grand Canyon, Galapagos Islands, Uluru, Table Mountain, Vesuvius, The Matterhorm, The Maldives, Kilimanjaro, The Great Barrier Reef and the Iguazu Falls. If the cliffs made the final seven, imagine what that would do for tourism in Ireland and the Burren region in particular! Encourage everyone to starting voting for the cliffs! The winners will be announced in 2011.

JUNE BANK HOLIDAY WEEK-END - HIGHLIGHTS AND LOWLIGHTS

Last week-end proved yet again that Ireland can do events extremely well. The Volvo Ocean Race, the Flora Women's Mini-Marathon and Bloom 2009 were a wonderful success. These events demonstrate what can be achieved in regions where people come together and co-operate for mutual benefit. Of course, the fantastic weather was an added bonus. Speaking of which, thousands flocked to the beaches to soak up the sunshine. However, at a number of beaches, I was shocked to see many litter bins over-flowing with rubbish. Is it not too much to ask that

A) local county councils roster additional staff to empty bins on bank-holiday week-ends?

B) visitors be encouraged to take their litter home?

LONDON ON TAP - DUBLIN SHOULD FOLLOW!

Following a trip to New York some months ago, I was struck by a question asked at almost every restaurant I visited. 'Would you like iced water or bottled water'? The expectation, on environmental grounds, was that you would order filtered iced water. Save all that plastic and needless transportation! What a nice question to ask diners rather than the usual one 'still or sparkling'? Now London is following the New York lead. London On Tap is an exciting initiative led by the Mayor of London and Thames Water to promote London's drinking water through its restaurants, bars and hotels. Great concept Boris! Now there's an idea for next year when Dublin's first directly elected Lord Mayor will be chosen!

WTTC 'TOURISM for TOMORROW' 2009 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

At the week-end in Florianopolis, Brazil, the World Travel & Tourism Council announced the winners of the 2009 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. Given that I have the privilege of listening to JW Marriott Jnr. talking about an initiative to save the Amazon Rainforest last year, I was delighted to learn that Marriott International Inc, USA & Global, won the Global Tourism Business Award Category.

'TOURISM FOR TOMORROW' FINALISTS

Twelve finalists have been selected for the WTTC's 'Tourism for Tomorrow' Awards. These awards aim to recognise best practice in sustainable tourism within the Travel & Tourism industry worldwide.

Now in its fifth year, this is an excellent initiative under the stewardship of the World Travel & Tourism Council. The winners will be announced at the 9th Global Travel & Tourism Summit in Florianopolis, Brazil on May 15th.

SISTERS ARE DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES

I have the privilege of dining with Emma Stratton at the Hotel Cateys, Royal Lancaster Hotel, London, on Friday last (7/11/08). Emma and her two sisters are directors of Bedruthan Steps Hotel, a beautiful 4 star property in Mawgan Porth, Cornwall. I was struck by her passion and enthusiasm for all things environmental and it was no surprise to me when Bedruthan won the 'Green Hotel of the Year' Award later in the evening.