The tourism authority has been working closely with the B&B sector over the last few years to revitalise the sector. ‘An Irish Home B&B …Get Closer’, a unifying brand, as well as a new classification and categorisation system were introduced to ensure potential customers can make an informed choice based on quality assurance. B&Bs can now opt for a general rating or aim for a star classification (with over 900 now operating at the three star level).
Some B&Bs are also opting for specialised categorisations such as “Angler-friendly” “Walkers welcome” or “Pet Friendly”. An important update to the Categorisation Scheme is that your B&B can now be categorised with up to 3 categories of your choice plus the Pet Friendly category or the Eco Friendly category. This will allow B&B operators even greater scope to market their B&B’s to consumers.
In all of the above, Fáilte Ireland is working closely with B&B Ireland who promote almost 50% of the Fáilte Ireland approved B&B operators.
Speaking about the B&B experience, Tracey Coughlan from Fáilte Ireland said -
“A stay in a B&B is intrinsically Irish. As a tourism authority we must ensure that customers are fully informed and can make the smart choice as they search for quality B&B accommodation available throughout Ireland.
“Visitors today are looking for that something extra and we believe B&B’s are well placed at the heart of their local communities to offer that added value whether in providing the ‘insider knowledge’ on the best local walks, booking an evening meal in a local restaurant or providing a packed lunch for a day out. If the friendliness of the Irish is the calling card of our tourism industry, then the B&B sector is holding the Ace and needs to play it as it markets itself in the future.”
There are currently 1,713 Irish B&B properties approved under the classification scheme. Read more about B&B Classification
There are currently 425 Irish B&B properties categorised under the B&B Categorisation representing 968 categories such as Walkers Welcome. Find out more about the scheme or to download a categorisation brochure and self-assessment form