The Radisson Blu hotel in Galway has signed up to Ireland’s Tourism Industry Visitor Charter which aims to highlight the good practice undertaken by the travel and tourism industry in the wake of the Icelandic ash cloud crisis.
The charter, which has been developed by Fáilte Ireland, is a voluntary iniatiative which was suggested to the country’s tourism industry to show that good practice is being adhered to and to provide reassurance to potential visitors thereby building confidence in Ireland as a destination.
A total of 11 Radisson Blu hotels across Ireland and Northern Ireland are signing up to adopt the customer service charter for tour operator groups and FIT guests for 2010, in light of possible future flight disruptions due to the Icelandic ash cloud.
The charter requires that: Cancellation fees will not apply at Radisson Blu hotels where intending visitors cannot travel due to ‘ash-related’ travel disruption; contracted rates at Radisson Blu hotels will be adhered to where a visitor must extend their stay owing to ‘ash-related’ air travel disruption; in the spirit of genuine Irish hospitality, Radisson Blu hotels will continue to make every effort and offer key services at their disposal to facilitate the specific requirements of guests in the event of such travel disruption; Radisson Blu hotels will assist guests in arranging their return journey and liaise with local tourist offices to facilitate individual requirements; and Radisson Blu hotels will provide access to regular updated travel information to all guests whose travel arrangements have been temporarily disrupted.
Han Oldenburger, Regional Director for Ireland’s Radisson Blu hotels, commented, “In light of the current and potentially ongoing challenging circumstances facing our industry, Radisson Blu hotels in Ireland are very happy to be, I believe, the first hotel group to adopt the Tourism Industry Visitor Charter, in the hope that it will help build confidence in our industry and in Ireland. We hope other hotel groups will follow to help give a clear and positive message in our market place.”
