A recent international conference organised by the University of Ulster has focussed on the development of sustainable transport solutions for popular tourist destinations in rural areas.

The event was held in Glenveagh National Park in Co Donegal as part of the TransTourism project, a collaborative, transnational initiative involving partners from Sweden, Iceland, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Whilst tourism generates jobs and wealth, transporting visitors to some of Ireland’s attractions can be a logistical and environmental challenge.

This Northern Periphery Programme (NPP) funded project, worth over €1.35 million (£1.1 million), aims to use technology and best practice to facilitate the development of tourism, whilst mitigating carbon emissions and congestion caused by car dependency.

NPP is part of Interreg, a European Union initiative aimed at creating long term economic, social and environmental benefits across member states.

In his opening address to the conference in the Glenveagh Visitors Centre, Dr Norry McBride (pictured) from Ulster’s Department of Business and Enterprise said: “Glenveagh National Park is an excellent example of how a popular tourist attraction has overcome a number of logistical barriers in order to become easily accessible to visitors to this region.”

Dr McBride also highlighted the importance of such international collaboration: “Events of this nature allow mutually beneficial opportunities for knowledge sharing which will empower all participants.”

TransTourism aims to attract visitors to the NPP regions through demonstrating innovative and sustainable transport solutions which are economically viable for rural tourism areas.

For further information about the TransTourism project please visit http://www.transtourism.eu/