Fáilte Ireland has unveiled a new set of standards for accommodation outside the typical hotel and B&B offerings, reflecting Ireland's changing travelling habits.
The new quality assurance - called the 'welcome standard' - covers accommodation types such as caravans, camping pods (pictured), glamping (glamour camping), log cabins, lighthouses, etc. The travel board has set a code of ethics and minimum standards for these places, similar to requirements of other hospitality businesses.
In a statement released this week, Fáilte Ireland said it recognises "accommodation of all types and styles that are committed to tourism and to maintaining high standards and practices throughout their business," and that the welcome standard is intended to to assure businesses comply with common practices "without taking away any of the character and style of the individual property."
So far, 80 of these "atypical" operators have signed up to the new initiative, including Caravantasia in Co. Tipperary. Businesses that sign up and pass the standard can display the Fáilte Ireland welcome standard on their premises.
Fáilte Ireland chairman Michael Cawley said that the new standards will rectify the situation these unusual operators have experienced which were providing great service but not meeting existing criteria for hotels and B&Bs.
