Donegal Tourism has launched a digital campaign aimed at promoting responsible caravan and camping practices in advance of the county’s peak tourism season.
The initiative highlights the importance of using registered campsites and adhering to a set of guidelines designed to protect Donegal’s natural landscapes and support sustainable tourism.
The campaign will be rolled out across Donegal Tourism’s social media platforms and features well-known local personalities Noel Cunningham and Michael Gallagher, also known as Donegal Daddy.
The pair will travel around the region in a campervan, showcasing the advantages of using official camping sites, which include access to amenities such as secure parking, waste disposal, and toilet facilities.
The primary focus of the campaign is the Donegal Campers Code—a guide that encourages visitors to plan ahead, book official sites in advance, and follow principles designed to reduce environmental impact.
These guidelines address issues such as waste disposal, wildlife respect, fire safety, and noise control.
The messaging is geared toward ensuring a positive experience for both visitors and residents while preserving Donegal’s natural and cultural heritage.
“Donegal offers an unparalleled outdoor experience, and we are excited to welcome campers and caravanners to explore our beautiful county,” said Cllr. Niamh Kennedy, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, in a report by Donegal Daily.
“This campaign is about ensuring that visitors can enjoy Donegal responsibly, protecting our landscapes for future generations, and respecting the communities that call this place home. By choosing official campsites and following our Campers Code, visitors contribute directly to sustainable tourism and help keep Donegal special.”
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality sector, this campaign offers a model for regional tourism bodies seeking to balance visitor demand with environmental stewardship.
Encouraging the use of official campgrounds not only mitigates the negative effects of unregulated camping but also supports local campground operators by promoting their amenities and services through government-backed media efforts.
The initiative could serve as a case study for destination marketing organizations interested in promoting responsible tourism while driving business to regulated facilities.
The campaign’s timing, ahead of the summer season, is intended to reach tourists while they are planning their holidays.
It provides direct links to registered campsites and offers practical information on responsible travel practices, reinforcing the importance of infrastructure investment and environmental education in the caravan and camping sector.
More information, including a list of registered sites and a copy of the Donegal Campers Code, can be found at govisitdonegal.com.