Welcome to Kilkenny: Army of trained volunteers on hand to guide visitors to city
A team of trained volunteers have been unleased on the streets of Kilkenny to give a very special cead milé failte to visitors to the Marble City.
The Kilkenny Welcome Team are a group of over 21 trained volunteers who will meet and greet visitors to the city, providing a warm welcome along with visitor information over the summer months.
The innovative initiative was first developed last year by Kilkenny County Council, in association with Kilkenny Tourism and the Kilkenny Tourism Recovery Task Force.
The Kilkenny Welcome Team 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.
A council spokesperson said all Kilkenny Welcome Team volunteers are fully trained in Covid-19 protocols; public safety and comfort will be a priority at all times.
“Volunteers will only engage when asked and will not impose on any visitors uninvited,” the spokesperson added.
Commenting on the initiative, Cathaoirleach Cllr Fidelis Doherty said: “After a difficult year for tourism and hospitality, many people want to help to promote the recovery of the City and County 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 the recovery process.”
Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr Andrew McGuinness, added: “The launch of the Kilkenny Welcome Team demonstrates the commitment of Kilkenny County Council in supporting the local economic recovery and to support businesses to adapt and maximise the remainder of the 2021 season”.
Tourism Officer with Kilkenny County Council, Martina Comerford said; “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.”
