Bed and breakfast owners from across Ireland gathered in Farmleigh to be honoured by Fáilte Ireland for their achievements on the tourism authority’s Skills Development Programme as well as for the launch of the ‘New Vision in Action’ B&B development DVD which will promote the redevelopment of the B&B brand.

Pictured at the launch  was Michael Ring T.D., Minister of State for Tourism and Sport and Tony Lenehan, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Industry Services.

B&B owners were awarded certificates for participating in the Fáilte Ireland designed development programme.  The programme is designed to assist owners to build on their existing skills in order to deliver the unique experience that only an Irish home B&B can offer and which many overseas visitors are looking for.  Participants can avail of advice, training and support in areas such as cookery, menu development and customer care in order to enhance their offering.

Speaking at the event, Minister Michael Ring T.D. stressed the importance of continuing this redevelopment of the sector –

“I am delighted to be here today to acknowledge the hard work and commitment that has been shown by B&B properties across the country.  It is fitting that we are here today in Farmleigh, the home away from home for Ireland’s visiting dignitaries.

“The Irish home B&B is a distinctive feature of the tourism experience – particularly for our overseas visitors – offering the potential for personal service and close interaction between operators and guests.

“You cannot get closer to an authentic Irish experience than staying with a welcoming and hospitable Irish family, in their own home.  Research shows that when visitors are looking to experience real Irish hospitality, B&B’s play an important part in helping our visitors discover the undiscovered.

“The commitment of so many B&B owners to up skilling and further self-improvement encourages me to believe that this sector will not only survive but, in fact, thrive again.”

The DVD launched today tells the unique story of the Irish B&B through the eyes of the operators and also features interviews with guests including Irish TV personality Catherine Fulvio. It is intended as an additional aid to B&B owners to help them up their game with an assortment of tips and guidance towards best practice.

The tourism authority have been working closely with the B&B sector over the last few years to develop a unified brand for all approved B&Bs – ‘An Irish Home B&B …Get Closer’ as well as introducing a classification and categorisation system to ensure potential customers can make an informed choice based on quality assurance.  B&Bs can now opt for a general rating or aim for a star classification (with over 900 now operating at the three star level). Some B&Bs are also opting for specialised classifications such as “Angler-friendly” or “Walkers welcome”.

In all of the above, Fáilte Ireland is working closely with B&B Ireland who promote almost 50% of the Fáilte Ireland approved B&B operators.

Speaking about the B&B experience, Tracey Coughlan from Fáilte Ireland said -

“A stay in a B&B is intrinsically Irish.  As a tourism authority we must ensure that customers are fully informed and can make the smart choice as they search for quality B&B accommodation available throughout Ireland.

“Visitors today are looking for that something extra and we believe B&B’s are well placed at the heart of their local communities to offer that added value whether in providing the ‘insider knowledge’ on the best local walks, booking an evening meal in a local restaurant or providing a packed lunch for a day out. If the friendliness of the Irish is the calling card of our tourism industry, then the B&B sector is holding the Ace and needs to play it as it markets itself in the future.”