Champions of the Irish welcome

The hunt is on to find the person or persons who best represent the values of the raditional welcome in the Irish tourism business. Developed by Bord Fáilte in consultation with the industry, the Irish Welcome Awards recognise Ireland's tourism champions who have made the traditional Irish welcome and the Céad Míle Fáilte so famous the world over.

Given recent criticisms about the cost of living in this country, the awards scheme will help focus attention on more pleasant aspects of the business. Nomination for the Irish Welcome Awards is open to all those working in Irish tourism, as well as to people from any walk of life deemed to have gone that extra mile and deliver more than just a mile to make the traditional Irish welcome special to visitors from both home and abroad. Nomination forms are currently being distributed through tourist offices nationwide, as well as being distributed through main visitor attractions and shops, hotels, restaurants and accommodation providers. Nominations will also be accepted on-line at www.bordfailte.ie.

THE Magic Collection, from the Specialists Holiday Group, has been tailor-made for the Irish market for the first time. The group includes tour operators American Holidays,Crystal and Tropical Places, and has begun to push Madeira, Andalucia, Gran Canaria, Ischia and Cascais.