CIE Tours Achieves Gold Certification for Sustainable Travel
by Marsha Mowers
CIE Tours has achieved Gold Certification from Ireland’s Sustainable Tourism Network (STN), marking a major milestone in the operator’s ongoing commitment to responsible travel.
The designation is the highest level awarded by the STN, Ireland’s leading sustainability body for tourism and sustainability practices. The achievement follows an independent audit, with CIE Tours earning a 100% score across all mandatory criteria.
With more than 90 years of experience bringing travellers to Ireland, CIE Tours says the recognition reflects its continued investment in protecting the destination’s landscapes, communities and cultural heritage — key priorities for today’s increasingly sustainability-focused travellers.
“We are incredibly proud to achieve STN Gold, a milestone that reflects a long-standing commitment embedded in CIE Tours’ DNA well before sustainability became an industry focus,” said Stephen Cotter, managing director of CIE Tours.
“From supporting family-owned businesses across Ireland to operating year-round and dispersing visitors beyond peak season, our model has consistently been rooted in sustaining the communities we serve. This certification formally recognizes that commitment and strengthens how we measure and advance it going forward.”
The certification process included a full review of operations, from emissions tracking and supplier engagement to community partnerships.
The company is advancing sustainability across its operations and supply chain by partnering with suppliers to reduce carbon emissions and trialing Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel, which has already cut emissions by approximately 165 tonnes of CO₂e, with expanded use planned through 2026.
The company also enhances guest education through pre-departure materials, with more than 80% of travellers reporting improved perceptions of sustainability after their trips.
