Our traditional hospitality and welcome for overseas visitors remains our number one asset. However research shows that the number of tourists saying so has declined in the recent past, so Tourism Ireland recently launched a new initiative entitled Shine, a set of four simple behaviours to display in interactions with tourists visiting Mayo.
Firstly, show a lively interest in customers — it is this additional engagement that distinguishes their experience here from that of many other countries. Secondly, be natural — people engage with people and our holiday stories are often dominated by the people and personalities that we have met. Thirdly, become a local expert — tourists love to hear ideas from locals about what there is to do and see in the area and it is that unique and unusual suggestion that can make their holiday so memorable. Finally, be happy and show it — our tourists are here to have fun.
Mark Henry, Tourism Ireland’s director of central marketing, said: “In the current difficult trading environment, it is more important than ever that we recognise our greatest resource – our people – beginning with those who work in tourism and hospitality. If we invest in ‘Shine’, it will pay back manifold through the terrific stories visitors take home and share with others – whether face-to-face or in an online forum.”
