A Tourism Business Guide To The UN SDGs: Aligning Travel With Sustainability
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and promote peace and prosperity for all. These 17 goals provide a global framework for sustainable development across all sectors — and sustainable tourism is uniquely positioned to contribute meaningfully to each one. But where to start? Here we offer a tourism business guide to the UN SDGs and how to align the travel industry with sustainability.
At the Sustainable Tourism Network (STN), we actively align our projects and training materials with relevant SDGs, helping Irish tourism businesses adopt practices that create positive social, environmental and economic impact.
In this Tourism Business Guide To The UN SDGs: Aligning Travel With Sustainability, we explore key SDGs that apply to the tourism industry — with real-world examples of how Irish tourism businesses are leading the way. Use these ideas to inspire action in your own business.
Peatlands Exhibition, Lullymore heritage and discovery park, Co Kildare. Photo: Michael Anderton.
SDG 1: No Poverty – Supporting Local Economies Through Tourism
Sustainable tourism helps reduce poverty by directing revenue to remote and underdeveloped communities, especially where tourism businesses are locally owned or support local suppliers and producers.
At STN, we promote collaboration between tourism operators and ethical local businesses to keep income in the community. This economic empowerment strengthens the resilience of host communities and enhances the visitor experience.
Example in action: Aligning travel with sustainability and the UN SDGs
Ireland’s peatland regeneration projects, funded by the EU’s Just Transition Fund, are transforming economically disadvantaged areas into vibrant tourism destinations with cycling and walking trails and support for over 80 small businesses.
Dunmore Adventure, Dunmore East, Co Waterford. Photo: Courtesy of Failte Ireland.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Protecting Ireland’s Waterways
Tourism businesses play a crucial role in safeguarding water resources. Implementing water-saving measures and responsible wastewater management can protect Ireland’s rivers, lakes and coastlines while saving businesses money and enhancing their eco-reputation.
Example in action: Aligning travel with sustainability and the UN SDGs
Waterford eliminated untreated sewage discharge through infrastructure upgrades, resulting in cleaner coastlines and a surge in tourist visits — including 797,000 tourists and €163 million in revenue in 2018.
Armada Hotel employees after winning the Local Business Award at The Irish Times Business Awards. Pictured at the awards were Bernard Cahill and Frank Minogue (Armada Hotel), John Feeney (Bank of Ireland) and Noralynne Murrihy (Armada Hotel). Photo: Julien Behal.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Creating Fair and Fulfilling Jobs
Sustainable tourism goes beyond job creation — it ensures fair wages, quality working conditions and opportunities for personal growth.
At STN, we help businesses evaluate their employment practices and improve them to attract and retain top talent.
Example in action: Aligning travel with sustainability and the UN SDGs
The Armada Hotel in County Clare provides wellness programmes, fair wages and employee-friendly tech tools — setting the standard for decent work in hospitality.
Members of the Burren Ecotourism Network, Caherconnell Stone Fort and Sheepdog Demonstrations, Co Clare. Photo: Fáilte Ireland.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Enhancing Local Identity and Culture
Tourism that respects local culture and environment fosters more authentic experiences. It also supports infrastructure development that benefits both residents and visitors.
Example in action: Aligning travel with sustainability and the UN SDGs
The Burren Ecotourism Network (BEN) in Co. Clare connects more than 60 businesses under a strict sustainability code, keeping tourism spend local and promoting cultural heritage through initiatives like the Burren Food Trail.
Slieve Elva B&B in Co. Clare cut energy use by 64.7% and landfill waste by 71.4%, saving over €6,000 through solar panels and more.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption And Production
Sustainable tourism practices can promote responsible resource management, reduce environmental impacts and encourage sustainable consumption habits.
At STN we train businesses to measure and manage their use of resources – including energy, waste and water. The aim is to use only what we need and to continuously look for ways to reduce our negative impacts.
The great news is that becoming more efficient is a great way for a business to save money.
Example in action:
Slieve Elva B&B in Co. Clare cut energy use by 64.7% and landfill waste by 71.4%, saving over €6,000 through solar panels, biogas heating and rainwater harvesting.
Clifden Eco Beach – Europe’s first carbon-neutral campsite.
SDG 13: Climate Action – Cutting Tourism’s Carbon Footprint
At STN, we train businesses to track and reduce their energy, water and waste usage. Efficient operations are not only better for the planet — they boost profitability.
Example in action: Aligning travel with sustainability and the UN SDGs
Clifden Eco Beach Camping in Co. Galway is Europe’s first climate-neutral campsite. This business has eliminated single-use plastics, sources spring water onsite and uses 100% renewable energy.
Kayaking with Sea Synergy in Kerry. Photo: Sea Synergy
SDG 14: Life Below Water – Protecting Marine Ecosystems
Healthy seas and waterways are essential to many tourism experiences. Sustainable tourism must minimise water pollution, support marine conservation and avoid harmful chemicals.
Example in action: Aligning travel with sustainability and the UN SDGs
Sea Synergy in Co. Kerry offers guided marine experiences led by marine biologists, promoting eco-education and conservation through kayaking, snorkelling, and SUP tours.
SDG 15: Life on Land – Preserving Biodiversity and Natural Landscapes
Tourism must support the conservation of forests, biodiversity and land resources — often the very attractions tourists come to see.
Example in action: Aligning travel with sustainability and the UN SDGs
CIE Tours supports biodiversity initiatives like ReFarm, promoting regenerative farming and land stewardship as part of its Sustainability Action Fund.
A History of Terror tour. Photo: Donal Moloney. Courtesy of Tourism Northern. Ireland
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – Fostering Understanding Through Tourism
Tourism fosters peace by encouraging cross-cultural understanding and respectful dialogue.
Example in action: Aligning travel with sustainability and the UN SDGs
Dead Centre Tours Belfast offers walking tours where guides explain the Troubles and the peace process with honesty and great insight from an entirely neutral perspective.
The Maharees Conservation Association at work on their sand dunes in Kerry.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Building Resilient Tourism Through Collaboration
‘Meitheal’, the Irish tradition of community collaboration, embodies the spirit of SDG 17. By working together, tourism stakeholders can drive sustainable development faster and more effectively.
Example in action: Aligning travel with sustainability and the UN SDGs
The Maharees Conservation Association in Co. Kerry worked with government bodies, NGOs, locals and tourists to stabilise sand dunes, protect rare species, safeguard homes and businesses, and promote sustainable tourism.
Final Thoughts – Embracing The SDGs In Your Tourism Business
Whether you’re running a small B&B or are a national tour operator, we hope our tourism business guide to the UN SDGs and how to align the travel industry with sustainability will help guide your business to a better future. The Sustainable Development Goals offer a clear roadmap to building a resilient, ethical and future-proof tourism business.
Explore Ireland’s official SDG Champions or learn from global leaders like The Travel Corporation, whose Make Travel Matter® Experiences offered by brands like Brendan Vacations are designed to have measurable positive impacts aligned with the SDGs.
