“How can we empower businesses and destinations to embrace sustainable tourism practices?” 

That was the central question behind a short-term research project that started Tina’s journey into tourism in 2010. It became her passion project and evolved into the very purpose of her tourism career - ‘Sustainability’ is the central and only lens through which she has approached tourism.

With transformative perspectives on the role tourism can play in supporting thriving communities and flourishing places, Tina’s work is defined by her ability to help others apply regenerative principles in practical ways.

Tina is the Founder and Director of The Tourism Space, a specialist consultancy inspiring collective and regenerative approaches to tourism. She is a Certified and Credentialed Coach, Strategic Facilitator, Professional Trainer, Event MC, Keynote Speaker and Multilingual Communicator .

Achievements & Awards 

• 2022 All-Ireland Business Foundation Tourism Business Person of the Year 
• 2021 TEDx Speaker at TEDxGalway 
• 2019 Business All-Star Accreditation for Thought Leadership in High-Performance Tourism 
• 2019 Best Micro Business in Clare, Ennis Chamber Awards 
• 2019 Founded The Tourism Space LIVE - Ireland's 1st National Professional Development & Self-Empowerment Event for Tourism Professionals 
• 2017 Founded The Tourism Space™, a specialist consultancy inspiring collaborative and regenerative approaches to tourism
• 2016 Member of the GeoparkLIFE Team recognised by the National Geographic World Legacy Award (destination award) 
• 2015 European Destination of Excellence for Tourism & Local Gastronomy (Burren Food Trail) 
• 2014-18 Geopark Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism 
• 2013-15 Co-ordination and animation of the Burren Food Trail 
• 2011-2017 Animation of the Burren Ecotourism Network 

Qualifications and Professional Training 

• 2023 Associate Certified Coach Credential, International Coaching Federation
• 2023 Power of Place Learning Journey
• 2021 Certified High-Performance Coach, High-Performance Coaching Institute 
• 2020-21 Certificates in Design Thinking, Regenerative Tourism and Regenerative Systems 
• 2017 Certificate in Professional Coaching, Coaching Development (UK) Ltd. 
• 2016 Training Delivery & Evaluation, QQI, Level 6 Component Award, Distinction 
• 2014 Professional Facilitation Skills, Irish Management Institute 
• 2009 Certificate in Ecotourism, Sligo Institute of Technology, Distinction 
• 2006 Certificate in Adult Training & Education, NUI Maynooth, Distinction
• 2003 MA French and Linguistics, University of Limerick, 1st class honours 
• 1995 BA International Marketing & Languages, Dublin City University, 1st class honours  

Affiliations & Memberships

• Advisory Board Member, Galway International Hotel School at the Atlantic Technological University
• Member of Responsible Tourism Group, Association of Visitor Experiences & Attractions 
• Professional Member of the International Coaching Federation
• Business Friend of the Burren Ecotourism Network 
• Supporters and Corporate Donor to HomeTree the Atlantic Rainforest Alliance 
• Member and Business Supporter of the Burrenbeo Conservation Trust 
• European Partner, Circular Economy 4 Regenerative Tourism (CE4RT) Programme
• Member of MENSA