Brack Tours wins Silver sustainability certification

By AI, Created 4:25 AM UTC, May 21, 2026, /AGP/ – Brack Tours said it earned Silver Certification from the Sustainable Tourism Network after an independent audit aligned with GSTC-recognized standards. The Newry, Ireland-based tour operator says the recognition reflects nearly two years of sustainability work across its Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland itineraries.

Why it matters: - The certification gives Brack Tours a third-party sustainability credential at a time when travelers and destination partners are paying closer attention to environmental and community impact. - The result signals that responsible tourism is becoming a core operating requirement, not just a marketing add-on, for tour companies serving sensitive heritage and natural sites.

What happened: - Brack Tours received Silver Certification from the Sustainable Tourism Network on May 21, 2026, after an independent audit aligned with GSTC-recognized standards. - The Newry, Ireland-based operator focuses on curated travel experiences in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland. - Brack Tours said the certification follows nearly two years of work to embed sustainability across the business. - Owner and CEO Peter Clarke said the certification reflects a commitment to supporting local communities, respecting the environment and leaving a positive impact after tours end.

The details: - Brack Tours reported a 33% reduction in general waste in 2024, above its initial target. - The company plans to cut total waste to 50% below baseline in 2025. - Guides are instructed to follow site guidelines at landmark locations including the Cliffs of Moher and Giant’s Causeway. - The company said guide communication is designed to help guests respect local heritage, landscapes and communities. - More than 58% of the company’s electricity comes from renewable sources. - Solar panels generate about 20% of office energy. - Brack Tours measures its full carbon footprint and offsets remaining emissions through a Gold Standard solar PV project. - Sustainability practices include wildlife protection policies, cultural heritage preservation and Leave No Trace Ireland principles in staff training and guest experiences. - The company also pointed to volunteer days, conservation efforts and local partnerships as part of its community engagement. - Tour design changes include hub-and-spoke itineraries and car-free elements to reduce travel-related emissions. - Brack Tours said its internal Green Team monitors progress, conducts regular audits and drives continuous improvement. - The company thanked partners, suppliers, the wider community and the Sustainable Tourism Network for support during the certification process. - Brack Tours described the Silver Certification as one step in a broader commitment to responsible travel across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland. - More information is available at the company’s announcement.

Between the lines: - The certification helps Brack Tours formalize sustainability work that already touches operations, staffing, guest behavior and itinerary design. - The mix of waste reduction, renewable energy use and emissions offsets suggests the company is trying to cover both direct operations and trip-level impacts. - Heritage sites and rural landscapes are a key part of the business model, so protecting those places is also a business continuity issue.

What’s next: - Brack Tours will keep working toward its waste-reduction target and continue auditing sustainability progress through its Green Team. - The company is likely to keep leaning on certified sustainability practices as a differentiator with travelers and partners.