TORONTO — Celtic travel expert Brendan Vacations has achieved the highest level of certification from the Sustainable Tourism Network.

That makes Brendan the first Irish-based tour company to earn a gold standard certification for sustainability.

“Earning this achievement is a testament to our dedication to eco-conscious travel. From implementing a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Checklist for our chauffeurs and guests to encourage responsible travel on trips to adopting 100% renewable energy and committing to a 10% reduction in carbon emissions by the end of the year, we’re striving to be a leader in the sustainable tourism industry,” says Brendan Vacations’ Managing Director, Catherine Reilly.

Gold certification from Ireland’s Sustainable Tourism Network

The Travel Corporation’s responsible travel experiences, known as MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experiences, address issues related to climate change, sustainable food production, waste reduction, diversity and inclusion, cultural preservation, and wildlife protection. With Brendan Vacations, examples include a ‘Deluxe Seaweed Experience’ in county Kerry. Guests enjoy a cup of seaweed-infused tea before a guided walk to forage coastal plants and learn about the tides.

There’s also a tour of Ballykilcavan Farm & Brewery, where travellers meet with the owner and learn about his sustainable journey and how he set up the brewery to help secure a sustainable financial future for his family farm.

The Sustainable Tourism Network is Ireland’s leading sustainable tourism training organization with a mission to transform the Irish tourism industry into a regenerative business sector that protects the environment, supports local communities, and makes places better for people to live and work.

STN Global Certification is awarded following an audit and review of over 80 criteria across environmental, social and economic sustainability metrics.