Welcome Standard

Fáilte Ireland's Welcome Standard

Fáilte Ireland’s Welcome Standard businesses are warm, friendly, hospitable and efficient, and provide the welcome that we know is expected by visitors to Ireland. With a focus on qualitative and behavioural standards as well as the customer journey, the standard identifies the strengths of the business and allows for greater innovation, individuality and authenticity in our approved tourist accommodation.

To commence your application once you have created an account on the Trade Portal a new business can be added, and an application can be made for Fáilte Ireland Welcome Standard approval under the Quality Assurance tab. To progress your application, you will be required to complete all fields and to self-declare compliance with all statutory obligation. There is a requirement for all tourist accommodation providers to meet their statutory obligation which include but are not limited to:

• Complying with the Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts, 1963-2000 (as amended or extended) and in possession of a Certificate of Compliance in relation to the planning permission granted and the building regulations including all current legislation.
• Complying with the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 (as amended or extended) and with any Regulations made thereunder (as amended or extended), and in possession of a valid Fire Safety Certificate.
• Having notified the HSE in accordance with Article 6(2) of Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 and under Regulation 6 of S.I. No 369 of 2006 as amended and in compliance with Food Safety Regulations.

Note: Fáilte Ireland advise all proprietors who may be unsure of their statutory obligations to obtain legal advice to ensure that their statutory obligations are being met. 

An on-site assessment will be scheduled with our Quality Assurance Advisors, reassuring visitors that the business is seriously committed to their welfare and enjoyment.

Our visit includes an assessment of the property to ensure that the customer journey meets the visitor’s expectations, to observe ways of working and to note the facilities (both range and quality) provided on-site. It follows the same format and criteria as the self-assessment completed by the Operator, allowing for a clear comparison of findings.

Post-Assessment Actions: There may be actions to complete following the assessment. An agreed period will be given to operators to complete these actions.