Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 754: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider the introduction of an accreditation system or information briefing for front line tourism industry workers based on knowledge of local heritage, attractions and general tourist information as part of an effort to enhance the experience for visitors to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8198/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is the responsibility of every front-line tourism business to ensure its employees provide a first-class customer service to our visitors. This extends to engaging with visitors and sharing knowledge and information with them to ensure they enjoy their holiday to the fullest extent possible. The most recent Visitor Attitude Survey published by Fáilte Ireland for 2010 shows that 95% of visitors to Ireland expressed satisfaction with the friendliness of the people they met on their visit. This suggests that we are, generally speaking, getting things right in this area. Fáilte Ireland is responsible for promoting and supporting the training and education of people for employment in the tourism industry. In this regard, Fáilte Ireland has many programmes that provide training aimed at ensuring an excellent customer service for visitors. I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland to enable the agency to inform the Deputy of its activity in this area. Please advise my office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.