Standards and Code of Ethics

Standards

The Welcome Standard recognises accommodation businesses of all types and styles that are committed to tourism and to maintaining high standards and practices throughout their business. It includes atypical tourist accommodation businesses who do not fit in the existing approval frameworks such as glamping, pods, shepherd huts, yurts, lighthouses, etc.

The standards identify the strengths of businesses without taking away any of the character and style of the individual property.

The emphasis of the standards is on qualitative and behavioural standards, the customer journey, meeting customer expectations and the quality of the experience. The standards are aimed at businesses that engage with their customers throughout all parts of the customer journey. The areas addressed have been designed to be comprehensive and are in line with domestic and international guest expectations. They focus on the fundamental guest-orientated aspects of the business.

Find out about the standards [pdf, 296kb]

Code of Ethics

Businesses wishing to become approved under the Welcome Standard are required to comply with a Tourism Code of Ethics. This underpins the standards and identifies practices and procedures that are common to all successful, responsible and sustainable Irish tourist accommodation businesses.

The Code of Ethics ensure that all the activities of the business are conducted with respect for the artistic, historic and cultural heritage of Ireland and where possible, integrate with and benefit the local community and environment, as well as ensuring excellent standards of customer service.

Read the Code of Ethics [pdf, 86kb]


Classification

The Welcome Standard includes the possibility of classification, allowing properties to differentiate themselves according to the range of services and facilities that they provide. This is identified as part of the approval process and can be promoted afterwards through official Fáilte Ireland Welcome Standard signage, etc.

Details of the classification criteria can be found in the Classification section.