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The Aghadoe Heights is ‘China Ready’

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The renowned five-star Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa in Killarney is the first hotel in Kerry to achieve China Ready accreditation, awarded by the Chinese Outbound Tourism Research Institute (COTRI). This guarantees a very special Kerry welcome to our Chinese visitors and guests.

With the introduction of 1,700 airline seats per week, flying directly to Dublin from Beijing and Hong Kong, Irish hotels need to be prepared for a large increase in leisure business from this region.

“Understanding our Chinese guests cultural needs is absolutely pivotal to their overall experience of Ireland,” said General Manger, Niall Coffey.

Colleagues at the Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa completed specialist training modules that covered areas such as Chinese tourist profiles, communication and language, sales and marketing, product and service needs as well as information on the background of Chinese tourists coming to Ireland. A written test forms part of the individual certification process, which allows the team to enhance their products and services to ensure that they meet the specific needs of the Chinese guest in all areas of hospitality.

Dr Tony Lenehan, Executive Director of COTRI in Ireland, attended a small gathering to celebrate this achievement and to personally award each team member with their certificate. Alongside him were IHF Kerry Branch Chairperson, Niamh O’Shea and Marie Healy from Fáilte Ireland.

During the presentation, General Manager Niall Coffey thanked his team for their continued efforts to develop the hotel’s standards and offering. “The team at the Aghadoe have worked so hard to achieve this special accreditation. We are proud to become the first hotel in Kerry to be ready to provide a special Irish Welcome to our Chinese guests.

“This also coincides perfectly with the EU-China Year of Tourism 2018 initiative, for which we are delighted to offer our support. Recent data released by Fáilte Ireland has shown us how important the Chinese tourism market has become and the potential for growth is significant.”

COTRI is the world's leading Independent Research Institute for training, quality assessment, research and consulting on the Chinese outbound tourism market. The Chinese Tourist Welcome accreditation is the international certified travel service standard and platform recognised by the European Travel Commission and endorsed by the World Tourism and Travel Council.

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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

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How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

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Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

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