The fact that a growing number of non-nationals now work in the catering industry in Ireland is something we should accept and prepare tourists, particularly Irish-Americans, to expect, Mr Jimmy Deenihan, Fine Gael spokesman on arts, sport and tourism said.
Irish-Americans visiting Dublin and other areas were often surprised at being greeted by non-national staff in hotels, restaurants and bars, and it was not what they had been led to expect, Mr Deenihan said.
"We should be careful to give out the message that the people you meet may not now necessarily be Irish," he said.
The growing contributions of non-nationals in front-of-house positions had to be assessed and analysed.
Irish hospitality, which was genuinely extended, was one of the strongest selling points and was deliberately used in marketing Ireland abroad.
Tourist operators had to ensure tourists got that traditional Irish ethos, the céad míle fáilte, Ireland was noted for, although it might not be from Irish staff, he said.
"We must accept the fact that in the future there will be more Europeans, more non-nationals interfacing with tourists at the level of receptionist, bartender, waitress, housemaid and so on. And we have to ask how these people will fit into an overall marketing strategy for tourism in Ireland," Mr Deenihan said.
Fine Gael was planning to host a convention with tourism bodies and operators on "new approaches to tourism", Mr Deenihan said. The convention will take place in September, and Mr Enda Kenny, the Fine Gael leader, and Mr Deenihan will take part.
Mr Deenihan said Irish operators would have to review their whole attitude towards tourism. In some cases the product had gone stale. Some of the visitor centres needed to be upgraded, for instance. There were also problems with access by air and sea.
"We are very well known for our hospitality towards tourists. There is a new scenario of non-nationals interfacing with people. We must now contend with the fact we don't have Irish people greeting tourists," Mr Deenihan said.
Mr John Power, chief executive of the Irish Hotels Federation, said yesterday, "People are coming across multiculturalism all over the world now. It is all down to professionalism. The vast majority out there are genuine, friendly and efficient."