Search is on for friendliest welcome to tourists
As a survey showed 90% of visitors were “very satisfied” with the friendliness they are shown in Ireland, the search was launched today to find the person who provided the best Irish welcome this year.
The Irish Welcome Awards 2005 – now in their fourth year – were launched today in Dublin by Tourism Minister John O’Donoghue to honour front-line tourism workers across the country.
Failte Ireland is inviting visitors to nominate someone within the tourism industry or a member of the public who has made their stay in Ireland more enjoyable.
The competition will run throughout the summer, with the final winners announced in November, and the visitor who nominates the overall winner will receive the “Irish holiday of their dreams”.
Last year the award attracted 2,500 entries from 40 countries and the overall winner was Pauline Hamill from Limerick, who rescued an American couple on a cycling holiday in Ballybunion during a thunder storm.
Speaking at today’s launch, where he received a less-than warm welcome from one environmental protester complaining about the quality of water in St Stephen’s Green, Mr O’Donoghue said the awards underlined Ireland’s commitment to providing a “unique” welcome to tourists.
“The welcome is one of the things that sets us apart internationally.
“Our people are just as important as our scenery and the things available to do here in Ireland, and with entries from over 40 countries it is obvious that the appreciation of this welcome transcends all geographic and cultural boundaries.
“The Irish Welcome Awards are an important channel for getting this message across, and also for reminding ourselves of the importance of looking after our visitors.”
The latest visitor attitudes survey by Failte Ireland found nine out of 10 overseas visitors said that friendly and hospitable people were an important factor in choosing their Irish holiday and 90% of visitors declared themselves very satisfied with the friendliness encountered during their stay.
The Failte Ireland Irish Welcome Awards are supported by the Regional Tourism Authorities and by industry bodies.
:: Nomination forms are available to tourists from this week from accommodation providers, visitor attractions and tour operators, and visitors can also vote online at www.irishwelcomeawards.com.
