Dublin Tourism voices concern at unofficial outlets

DUBLIN TOURISM, Fáilte Ireland’s official tourist organisation in the capital, has raised concerns about unofficial tourist offices that have opened over the last 18 months.

Paul Hayden, acting chief executive of Dublin Tourism, said while he had no problem with sales and booking offices, he was concerned about the quality of the service offered to visitors.

“We would be concerned about the orientation of visitors, for example, whether or not they are being directed to historical sites and approved accommodation,” he said.

“Some only have a certain budget while others do want to undertake paid trips.”

He also said Dublin Tourism would take leaflets from any tour business once they were approved and would hold them for the public to access, though display in the office required partnership agreement.

Four private tourism offices have opened in Dublin in the last year – on Grafton Street, College Green, O’Connell Street and Bachelors Walk.

All four display the “i” sign, synonymous with tourist information the world over, and offer booking facilities for tours in the capital and beyond. None of the offices has any affiliation with the official tourism office, Dublin Tourism on Suffolk Street.

The College Green and O’Connell Street offices, both signed “Tourism Office”, are owned by adventure company Extreme Ireland.

The Grafton Street office, signed “Tourist Office”, sells independent tours and does not provide accommodation. It is owned by tour operator Paddywagon.

The Bachelors Walk office, signed “Dublin’s Tourist Office”, sells accommodation, tours and bus tickets.

All four offices stay open longer than the official office, which operates from 9am to 5pm only.

Mr Hayden wished the operators “good luck” in running their business, but said there had been some “anecdotal feedback” and some complaints from people who had visited the offices and were unhappy with the services.

“Anything damaging the reputation of Dublin would be of concern,” he said. “We have a good reputation, but it could break down quite easily.”

A spokesman for Extreme Ireland said all of his staff were highly trained and multilingual. The business worked on a commission basis and did not charge tour businesses to have their flyers in his offices, while Dublin Tourism charged €700, he said.

They were serving a need for small operators who couldn’t afford the charge as well as for tourists who could avail of their services, he said. “Dublin Tourism is not happy because we are taking customers away,” the spokesman said. “It’s Aer Lingus vs Ryanair.”

Robert O’Dolan, co-founder of the Bachelors Walk office, said 12 jobs were created with the opening of their office and they received “nothing but compliments” about it.

“Dublin Tourism doesn’t encourage competition,” he said.

“I think we are a thorn in their side. We are giving good service over long hours and making small profits and we have shown up a State-sponsored organisation.”

A spokeswoman for the Grafton Street office said it opened two months ago and had created seven jobs. It gave free general information to visitors as well as selling tours and directing them to the official office for accommodation, she said.