Sir, - J. Desmond O'Flynn (January 28th) states that his visiting friends have not returned to Ireland. This does not surprise me as his attitude to Ireland and the tourism industry would obviously have a negative effect on anyone who spent some time in his company.
I have been manager of a complex of holiday homes for the past eight years and we have found the opposite of his rather gloomy views. Over 60 per cent of our business is either repeat or by recommendation and most give as their main reason for returning the friendliness and warmth of the local people. The village of Dunmore East is part tourist and part fishing and locals and visitors mingle together both in high season and in the winter months when many UK visitors take short breaks through Rosslare Harbour. One English lady who has been coming back with her husband for seven years sends Christmas cards to almost everyone in the village! The local shops and restaurants are very much aware of the danger of overpricing and visitors are very happy with the value they get.
While there is no room for complacency I think that most people in the tourist industry and in tourist areas are well aware that friendliness and warmth are the biggest asset we have and it would be the height of stupidity to let any measure of exploitation creep in.
Finally, I would suggest that the next time Mr O'Flynn has visitors he should take them out of Dublin (on one of our many new roads!) and if he gets as far as Dunmore East (in spite of poor signage!) we can promise him and his friends a warm welcome and plenty of craic! -Yours, etc., Jean Kelly,
Dunmore Holiday Villas. Dunmore East, Co Waterford.