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With predictions that visitor numbers to Northern Ireland - already on the increase - are to rise still further in 2013, the tourism and hospitality industries are set to boost numbers of guide staff, while bookings for accommodation at hotels and guest-houses are promising.
Feedback from those who have already visited the province is proving positive. The signs are this happy trend will continue.
However, I have one bone of contention, which has become manifest in whichever of the service industries I have come across in recent months: Wee.
'Wee' means little or small, as in 'wee pet', or 'wee boy'.
The double-wee means a polite way of saying we (the pronoun) need to visit the toilet. I am just under 168cm tall and of fairly robust build - hard to miss, really.
Yet, it seems that everywhere I go I am being asked if I need a 'wee' hand to pack my 'wee' shopping, or is that my 'wee' lot, or can a receptionist take my 'wee' coat. I am given my (not-so) 'wee' bill, asked if I need a 'wee' taxi.
Would those responsible for training our wonderful and hugely welcoming employees in the service industries appreciate that this is becoming infuriating - as well as sounding patronising to those of us in late-middle age?
'We' would be ever-so grateful.
PATRICIA FAWCETT
Bangor, Co Down
