Local Volunteers to Meet & Greet Visitors
Kilkenny County Council today, Friday 7th June, 2024 launched its ‘Kilkenny Welcome Team’ initiative in partnership with Kilkenny Volunteer Centre and Failte Ireland. Kilkenny’s Welcome Teams are a group of 20 volunteers who will again meet and greet visitors, providing a warm Kilkenny welcome along with visitor information over the summer months.
Officially launched by the Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Michael Doyle and Mayor of the Kilkenny Municipal District, Cllr. Joe Malone, this innovative tourism initiative was first developed in 2021 as a response to the COVID 19 pandemic.
The Kilkenny Welcome Teams will be strategically placed at high footfall locations around Kilkenny City to provide a range of information from opening hours to local attractions, nearby toilet facilities, pharmacists, ATM locations, train and bus times.
All Kilkenny Welcome volunteers are fully trained in public safety and visitor comfort will be a priority at all times. Volunteers will only engage when asked and will not impose on any visitors uninvited.
Commenting at the launch, Cathaoirleach Cllr Michael Doyle added; “With many challenges remaining for tourism and hospitality, many people want to help to promote the sector and are giving their valuable time in volunteering to be part of the initiative. The Kilkenny Welcome Team also provides an opportunity for individuals to put the Kilkenny jersey on and play a meaningful role in their local community.”
Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr Joe Malone added; “The launch of the ‘Kilkenny Welcome’ initiative demonstrates the commitment of Kilkenny County Council in supporting the local tourism sector in its endeavour to maximise the tourism season this year.
Chairperson of Kilkenny Tourism, Gareth Alcorn added; “The Kilkenny Welcome Team is a great example of how the community can join forces in an effort to drive tourism and hospitality in our county. Kilkenny has always been renowned for giving visitors a ‘warm welcome’, and now with the help of the volunteers; ‘this on the ground’ approach from local people will show how Kilkenny really cares about its visitors.”
