Cross-border communities lead the way in shaping tourism that benefits people, place, and the future
Communities from both sides of the Irish border have taken another major step in reshaping how rural tourism can grow regeneratively, inclusively, and from the ground up.
On Monday, the Community-Led Regenerative Tourism Destination Model (CDM) was officially launched at Ballyhoura Mountain Lodges by the Ballyhoura Sustainability Tourism Network, in partnership with Ballyhoura Development CLG and Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark.
This launch marks the next stage in a pioneering cross-border initiative funded by the Shared Island Civic Society Fund, which places local communities at the heart of rural tourism development. The CDM provides a practical and adaptable framework for how destinations can deliver real, lasting benefits for people, place, and future generations.
The CDM reflects the combined experiences of the Ballyhoura and Cuilcagh Lakelands communities, who share a common vision for tourism that gives back more than it takes — enriching both local life and the visitor experience.
Over the past year, the two regions have worked together to explore how tourism can be a driver of regeneration, social inclusion, and pride of place. Through collaboration, shared learning, and community engagement, they have shown how local people can shape tourism that benefits both residents and visitors.
Read the publication document here;
