Fáilte Ireland: Self-catering ratings system will continue

FÁILTE Ireland has written to a number of self-catering establishments to assure them that there will still be a vetting system offering guarantees to customers after 2008.

The tourist group has been inundated with calls from concerned self-catering accommodation owners since it announced it is withdrawing from the inspection and approval of the accommodation.

John Magner, whose establishment in Castletownroche won the national self catering award in 2000, was one business owner who had expressed severe reservations about the move by Fáilte Ireland.

“How will potential tourists differentiate between the establishments?” he said. “At present if they know they can go to a four star property, they will go there.”

In response to queries like that of Mr Magner, the tourist board wrote to the businesses outlining exactly what will be happening in the sector.

“Fáilte Ireland is currently engaging with several companies/associations that have expressed interest in exploring the ‘customer guarantee’ and we expect others will emerge over the coming weeks,” it said. “The guarantee will be progressively introduced over the coming months and will be fully operational from December 2008 onwards.”

Fáilte Ireland said all existing property owners will have the better part of 15 months to secure the management company or association with which they have greatest comfort.

“You will carry with you your existing Fáilte Ireland ‘star rating’ in aligning with the company/association. Recognition for new properties which are currently not listed will take place as customer guarantee arrangements are introduced.

“All properties not affiliated with a management company/association that supports the customer guarantee will be removed from the Fáilte Ireland website at December 31, 2008.”

It said Fáilte Ireland will continue to partner with those companies/associations supporting the customer guarantee across a range of co-operative marketing initiatives in 2009 and beyond. “Properties can feature a ‘star rating’ that is attributed to the company or association,” it added.