Over 15 representatives working at Cork Airport, including frontline staff and stakeholders such as car hire companies, were today confirmed as tourism ‘Champions’ for providing excellence in their service to overseas visitors having completed a Fáilte Ireland bespoke Champions Programme specifically tailored for Cork Airport to enable staff to enhance their knowledge of Ireland’s tourism offering. The programme particularly focussed on the two brands for which Cork Airport is a gateway into, Ireland’s Ancient East and the Wild Atlantic Way. 

The new ‘Champions’ all received an official certificate and specially commissioned badge to acknowledge their participation at special workshops for the scheme. The initiative seeks to empower local operators as they set out to ensure that visitors will stay just a little longer in an area, spend more and recommend Ireland and its brands globally.  
 
Speaking about the Champion Programme, Marie Healy, of Fáilte Ireland explained: “Cork Airport is an important entrance hub for both the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East. This ‘Champions Programme’ was designed to help those working at the airport help to improve the visitor experience they currently provide. Using their local knowledge and now aware of what the brands can deliver to overseas visitors, these champions will provide an invaluable service as Irish tourism seeks to grow further.”