Climate Change and Sustainability: The Good Visitor Promise
Good Visitor Promise - Help us protect, respect and enjoy our place together
Ards and North Down is a special place - shaped by our coastline, landscapes, heritage and, above all, our people.
The Good Visitor Promise is a simple and positive guide to help visitors enjoy everything our Borough has to offer, while also caring for the places and communities that make it unique.
The Good Visitor Promise is brought to life via an animation and poster highlighting practical, easy actions - from respecting our environment and supporting local businesses, to being kind to our communities and travelling responsibly.
Whether you're planning a visit or already here, taking a moment to watch the animation is a great way to understand how small actions can make a big difference.
A shared approach to responsible tourism
The Good Visitor Promise isn't just a campaign - it is a shared commitment.
It has been co-designed by the Sustainable Tourism Group, a partnership of organisations from across Ards and North Down working together through the Community Planning Partnership to shape a more sustainable future for our area.
By bringing together communities, tourism operators, environmental organisations and public sector partners, the Group has developed a message that reflects what matters most to the people who live and work here.
Together, they are helping to ensure that tourism continues to:
- Support local communities and businesses
- Protect our natural environment and wildlife
- Celebrate our culture and heritage
- Maintain Ards and North Down as a welcoming place for all
This joined-up approach reflects the wider ambitions of community planning and the long-term vision for sustainable tourism across the Borough.
Watch the animation
The Good Visitor Promise animation sets out, in a clear and engaging way, how visitors can make a positive impact during their stay.
From leaving no trace on our landscapes to supporting local makers and reducing waste, it captures the spirit of responsible tourism in Ards and North Down.
Share the poster
The Good Visitor Promise invites everyone to play their part:
- Respect our landscapes and wildlife
- Support local people and businesses
- Travel responsibly
- Reduce waste and conserve resources
- Be kind to communities and fellow visitors
- Learn about and celebrate local heritage
Together, these small actions help protect what makes this place special - now and for future generations.
AAND The Good Visitor Promise A3 PRINT (1) (PDF, 1 MB) (opens new window)
See the Promise in action
As you explore Ards and North Down, you'll see the Good Visitor Promise reflected in posters and displays across key visitor locations, attractions and public spaces.
These reminders are part of a wider effort to create a consistent, welcoming message about how we can all enjoy this place responsibly.
STAND for Sustainability
It supports STAND for Sustainability - a shared commitment between the Ards and North Down Borough Council and everyone across Ards and North Down.
Achieving our ambitious goals depends on collective action, with individuals, organisations, businesses and leaders all playing their part in embedding sustainable behaviours into everyday life. You can read more at Take a STAND for Sustainability - Ards and North Down Borough Council
