BADGE OF HONOUR: Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District Cllr Brendan Cronin, with Emer Corridan (General Manager Cahernane Hotel) and David O’Brien (Manager), and Renata Kolasa, who this week along with hotels, hospitality and visitor attractions across Kerry have begun to receive their ‘Safe Destination’ badge. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

by Michelle Crean

Hotels, hospitality and visitor attractions across Kerry - including Cahernane House Hotel, Killarney - have begun to receive their ‘Safe Destination’ Badge following the completion by their staff of specialised training on cleanliness, hygiene and customer interaction in the COVID-19 environment.

Visitors returning to Kerry as the COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease can be assured that it is a safe destination to visit and stay thanks to the county’s 'Safe Destination' programme which involves the training of thousands of staff in the retail and hospitality industries in best practice cleaning protocols.

The ‘Safe Destination Kerry’ programme, in association with Kerry County Council, Kerry Education and Training Board, the Kerry Branch of the Irish Hotels Federation, and the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation aims to reassure visitors returning the county that they can do so safe in the knowledge that staff are equipped with the skills and training to work safely under the current restrictions.

Five premises – one in each of Kerry five Municipal Districts – were among those to receive their ‘Safe Destination’ badge this week, including the Cahernane House Hotel, Killarney, Ballyseede Castle Hotel, Tralee, The Thatch Bar and Restaurant, Lisselton, The Boatyard Restaurant and Bar, Dingle and the Shelburne Lodge Guesthouse, Kenmare.

To receive the ‘Safe Destination’ designation, businesses must register with Kerry County Council to take part in the training course. When their participation in the training is verified by the Kerry Education and Training Board, which is delivering the training, the business will receive their ‘Safe Destination’ badge and signage.

4,000 staff in the tourism and retails industries in the county are participating in training which has been devised and is being provided by the Kerry Education and Training Board. Businesses and staff interested in participating in the training can register with Kerry County Council on its freephone Business Support Line on 1800 807 102 or business.support@kerrycoco.ie.