Something special up their SlieveTHE Slieve Donard Resort & Spa in Newcastle, Co Down, has been named BestIrish Hotel at the Travel Media Awards, which took place recently in the WestburyHotel in Dublin. The awards acknowledge outstanding performance in the traveland tourism industry and consisted of 18 categories all voted for by the Irish media.

John Toner director of Hastings Hotels and general manager of the Slieve DonardResort & Spa said he is delighted that the hotel has been recognised by media asthe best in Ireland.

“We are thrilled to have received this prestigious award for Best Irish Hotel. Whatmakes this award extra special is that it was voted for by the Irish travel media, whohave no doubt stayed in the very best hotels throughout Ireland, so to beacknowledged by these journalists is fantastic,” said John. “The Slieve DonardResort & Spa is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing short break and we haveexcellent staff who are all dedicated in ensuring our guests have a memorable stay.The hotel boasts a world-leading ESPA Spa and is an exquisite haven of escapismproviding an oasis of tranquility.”

Pictured are John Toner and Claire Edkins, Business Development Manager.

NEWS

H&RT DECEMBER ‘12/JANUARY ‘13 5

NEWS

Best pestcontrol at CatexOrkin Pest Control will be in attendance atCatex 2013. Orkin Pest Control have achievedconsiderable growth in this sector followingtheir participation at Catex 2010. They lookforward to meeting with all of their currentcustomers and future, potential clients at thisyear’s event.

Nothing can threaten your reputation quitelike a pest infestation. Since 1901, Orkin hasbeen helping businesses keep pests out ofrestaurants and hotels using the latesttechnologies and the best trained professionalsin our industry, who develop and monitor yourintegrated pest management solution.Come and visit us at stand D-10.

1890 230 240Donal Butterly, Managing Director 087 2268567

Ireland set to fly high in 2013Next summer will see a major increase in capacity on US-Irish air services,according to the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA). New and expanded transatlanticservices at Dublin and Shannon airports will deliver almost 270,000 extra seatsbetween Ireland and the United States next summer, which is a 20% increase onthis year.

“This is a very significant expansion of air capacity between the US and Ireland,and represents a major vote of confidence in the Irish market,” according to DAAStrategy Director, Vincent Harrison. “Next year we will have new routes fromAmerican Airlines, United and US Airways and also additional capacity on existingservices from Aer Lingus and US Airways.”

For whom theBellingham tolls

The iconic Bellingham Castle, just outsideDundalk , has been sold to the owners of CabraCastle in recent weeks. The 21 bedroomedCastle, which was owned by the Keenan family,had been on the market for more than fouryears. It will now join Cabra Castle, Co. Cavanand Ballyseede Castle, Co. Kerry to complete atrio of 4 star, boutique-style Castle properties inIreland, catering to the domestic leisure andbanqueting markets, as well as to theAmerican, European and worldwide tourismsectors.

Greenshoots for Irish foodserviceOver 150 Irish food suppliers and foodservice trade buyers gathered in Dublin forBord Bia’s fourth annual Foodservice Seminar. Delegates heard that for the firsttime in three years players can plan with some sense of market stability as a senseof certainty returns to the market. Speaking at the event, Bord Bia’s FoodserviceSpecialist, Maureen Gahan said, “Despite a period of sharp decline, foodservice inIreland offers major opportunities for suppliers offering innovative products andsolutions to meet changing consumer needs. In certain channels such as ‘on thego’, casual dining and Quick Service Restaurants, there are clear green shootemerging as consumers trade down to lower cost eating out options. Thesechannels will drive the market revival.”

005-009 News 6/1/13 16:09 Page 2

H&RT DECEMBER ‘12/JANUARY ‘136

DoubleTree by Hilton setto launch in IrelandThe Morrison to Become Irish Debutantfor one of Europe’s Fastest GrowingUpscale Hotel Brands.

Hilton Worldwide has announced thatit has signed a franchise agreement withMartinez Hotels & Resorts to bring itsupscale DoubleTree by Hilton brand toIreland.

The deal will see Dublin’s renownedMorrison Hotel reopen as The MorrisonDublin; a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in early February, following an extensive €7mrefurbishment, featuring a new interior design from Dublin based Nikki O’DonnellArchitects (NODA).

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa, HiltonWorldwide, said, “DoubleTree by Hilton is one of the fastest growing upscale hotelbrands in Europe and we are confident it will be a hit here in Ireland. We’ve beeneager to secure the right opportunity and believe we’ve found it in The Morrison.This deal is also indicative of a renewed buoyancy in the Irish hospitality market,visible both in the strong performance of our existing portfolio and the confidenceof owners and developers to invest.”

John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “The Morrison is aperfect hotel to bring under the DoubleTree by Hilton brand and we will be proud toshowcase this hotel as part of our growing portfolio. We look forward to welcomingtravellers to the vibrant, contemporary city of Dublin with our award-winning serviceculture and delicious, signature chocolate chip cookie at check-in.”

A Michelin dishserved in Sligo

Hargadons Restaurant, managed by JoeGrogan and Miriam Harte, has retained its entryin Michelin Guide Pub Section 2013. “Good formorale,” said Joe Grogan.

NEWS

Dublin to hostmajor travelconference aspart ofGatheringMinister for Transport, Tourism & Sport LeoVaradkar has welcomed the decision by theInternational Air Transport Association (IATA)to host its World Passenger Symposium inDublin in 2013, as part of the year of theGathering Ireland.

The 2012 IATA Symposium in Abu Dhabiwas attended by 500 people over five days.The organisers decided to host their 2013symposium in Ireland having considered analternative proposal from Spain.

Minister Varadkar said: ‘This sends out aclear message that Ireland is a good placefor international organisations to dobusiness. Fáilte Ireland has been workinghard to promote Ireland as a conferencevenue. I want to thank Fáilte, along with theIrish Aviation Leadership Group led by BrianStapleton, for their work in helping to securethe conference’.

The conference will be held in the NationalConvention Centre Dublin next October.

Big day out in MacroomPictured at the recent wedding afternoon at the 4Star Castle Hotel Macroom were (l-r): CaitrionaHealy, Enchanted Flowers; Emma Wray & SarahPower, showcasing dresses from SharonGregory Dress Design, Executive Head Chef PatRyan & Wedding Co-ordinator, Vicki Wray CastleHotel. Among the suppliers on the day were: AMJewellery, Milliner & Jewellery Designer, UpstyleJunkie, McMahon Studios Photographer & Videographer, Enchanted FlowersFlorist, Sinead Dineen Invitation design, Grettas Cakes wedding cakes, and WestCork Wedding Cars.

CIT students winThe family of the lateDouglas Vance, aniconic hotelier for solong in Cork City, kindlydonate a valuableannual bursary toexemplary students inthe Department ofTourism & Hospitality atthe Cork Institute ofTechnology, to gotowards their continuededucation.

This year theDouglas Vance Bursarywas divided among two very deserving winners, Rebecca Daly from Ballincollig,who is a 2nd Year Hospitality Management student and Patricia Clogan fromMallow who is a 3rd Year Hospitality Management Student. Both Rebecca andPatricia were presented with their awards at the recent CIT Annual AwardsCeremony.

The Department of Tourism and Hospitality at CIT encompasses the areas ofCulinary Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Bar Management. It has over 750 studentsacross these disciplines and is located in a modern purpose-built building on theBishopstown Campus.

005-009 News 6/1/13 16:09 Page 3

H&RT DECEMBER ‘12/JANUARY ‘13 7

NEWS

The Doyle Collection appointsnew chief financial officer

The Doyle Collection has announced the appointment of KieranDoohan as Chief Financial Officer. Kieran joins The Doyle Collectionfrom Ballymore Group, where he held the position of Group FinancialController & Head of Finance (Ireland). Previously, he held the positionof Financial Controller (International Division) at Mercury Engineering,between 2003 and 2007.

Kieran began his career in KPMG in 1996 and held a number ofmanagement positions in their Dublin and Sydney offices between1996 and 2002.

Export boom boosts jobcreation at Ulster CarpetsUlster Carpets has recentlyemployed 25 additional staff tomeet increased demand,particularly in its export markets.• Turnover rose by 13% to £55million• Operating profit before tax up by72% to £5 Million• Substantial investment in newexport and contract markets• Major product launches in retailmarkets

Ulster Carpets has beensuccessful due to its long-termdevelopment of key export andcontract markets, particularly the U.S. and Middle East as well as acontinuing focus on the highly successful retail market in the UK & ROI.

Commenting upon the latest recruitment drive and financial figures,Nick Coburn, Managing Director said: “We owe this result to theoutstanding commitment and dedication of our employees. Our salesstaff have earned us a substantial increase in market share, and tosupport this our staff in Portadown, England and Denmark have workedincredibly hard to deliver for our customers. This performance is all themore remarkable given that we are competing in a global market placeagainst mainly low cost labour production, but our enduring competi-tiveness keeps us ahead.”

Whilst Ulster Carpets re-invest profits for the long-term benefit of thecompany, 10% of the profits are distributed amongst all employees, sothat they can share tangibly in the company’s progress anddevelopment.

The Chairman’s statement in the accounts also makes reference tothe Company’s well-established tradition of helping the localcommunity, and a proportion of annual profits are set aside to supportthose striving to make an impact on society.

Nick Coburn states: “We have always been extremely conscious ofour responsibilities at a local level to the communities immediatelyaround us; particularly the long held establishment of significantemployment in Portadown, along with other benefits for the localeconomy. As a company we encourage and support our employees tobe active with their charitable endeavours and over the years we haveraised substantial amounts of money for many worthy causes.”

005-009 News 6/1/13 16:09 Page 4

A Suite SurpriseHarvey’s Point Hotel in Donegal recentlylaunched their Lakeshore Suites whichfeature a large bedroom, luxurybathroom and a spacious lounge withFrench windows leading to a balconyoffering a panoramic view of Lough Eskeand the Bluestack Mountains.

Says hotelier Deirdre McGlone: “Wehave converted 16 former Courtyardrooms into eight luxury suites fitted outto five star hotel standard. Each suitehas its own balcony looking onto the lake and offering stunning vistas all year roundyear”.

Customer relations manager Noel Cunningham (pictured) adds: ‘We have beenworking flat out to have the new suites ready for the new season and are lookingforward to welcome guests to what is now amongst the finest hotelaccommodation in Ireland.’

Aer Lingus en routefor GatheringThe Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has welcomedthe announcement from Aer Lingus that it is toprovide additional transatlantic services toIreland from Boston, Chicago and Orlando fortheir 2013 summer schedule adding 112,000transatlantic seats, including the recommence-ment of services to Shannon from New Yorkand Boston in advance of St Patrick’s Day. TimFenn, Chief Executive, Irish Hotels Federation(IHF) said the additional services will generateincreased opportunities to grow overseasvisitor numbers from the US. He stated, “This isa major announcement for the run up to theGathering next year and a welcome vote ofconfidence for tourism businesses given thestrategic importance of North American visitorsfor tourism in Ireland.”

Top travel bloggerschoose Dublin for2013 conferenceTBEX, the biggest global meeting of TravelBloggers, have chosen Ireland for their annual2013 Conference. The decision wasannounced at the World Travel Market event inLondon.

Attendees to TBEX Europe 2013 will berepresenting the most influential travel writersand online content creators in the industry.Their proven impact on destination choices isredefining the leisure travel business. Thehosting of TBEX is an opportunity for Ireland toimmediately create a major impression (via thedelegates) to tens of millions of onlinefollowers. During these conferences, TBEXattendees traditionally focus their professionalwriting skills and extensive new media reach,naturally, and with purpose as they explore acity and share their experiences with the world.Up to 450 travel bloggers are expected toattend the event.

Athlone Castleback in businessAthlone Castle has reopened its doors to thepublic following a €2 million renovation totransform the castle into a state-of-the-art,multi-sensory visitor experience. The projectwas grant-aided through Fáilte Ireland’sTourism Capital Investment Programme.

Fáilte Ireland’s Michael Brady, who attendedthe opening, said: “Athlone Castle will give theLakelands area a competitive edge when itcomes to attracting more domestic andoverseas visitors. Fáilte Ireland’s €2.07 millioninvestment is not only good for Athlone Castlebut will have a positive impact for localbusinesses, which in turn will help stimulate jobcreation in the local economy.

First built in the 13th century as a timber fort,Athlone Castle evolved into a bold, defensivebuilding. Its most significant architecturalfeatures, such as the keep, have now beenharnessed to act as a dramatic backdrop to itsdiverse and fascinating story.

H&RT DECEMBER ‘12/JANUARY ‘138

NEWS

Higgins Gathering momentumPresident Michael D Higginsvisited Liverpool to meetmembers of the Irishcommunity, at a special TourismIreland event on board the L.E.Eithne to highlight TheGathering Ireland 2013. ThePresident was undertaking hisfirst official Gatheringengagement since becoming itsPatron. The President urged theIrish community in Liverpool tocome home next year and toencourage their extensivenetworks of family, friends andbusiness colleagues to organise their own Gatherings in Ireland during 2013.

Swede DreamsPictured during filming at WestportHouse, Co Mayo, for the popularSwedish reality TV programmeEnsam Mamma Söker (meaningSingle Moms) are Jenny Rönnelöw,the “single mom” starring in thereality TV show (centre), with her twosuitors Fredrik Karlsson (left) andKristian Engdahl (right), and childrenClara, Ludde, Joanna and Jonathan;also pictured are film crew Patrick Hansson and Lasse Uydahl.

Bar excellenceThe LVA (Licensed VintnersAssociation) presented theirannual education awards at aspecial ceremony held in theDIT (Dublin Institute ofTechnology) Bar ManagementTraining Bar, Cathal BrughaStreet recently. These awardsare presented to thesuccessful candidates of theLVA Bar Supervision and LVABar Management courseswhich are run at the DITDepartment of Bar Management. These courses are designed for those interestedin a career in the licensed industry at management or operational levels or for thosewho may wish to formalize and up-date their knowledge in professional bartendingand bar management.

005-009 News 6/1/13 16:09 Page 5

NEWS

H&RT DECEMBER ‘12/JANUARY ‘13 9

Fine fellows

Clockwise from top left Margaret Byrnes, Mary Hall, Paul Gallagher, Clare MacLeod

To the Manorborn

Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort has becomethe first ever Irish property to win a World TravelAward at global level, with the honour of‘World’s Leading Boutique Golf Resort’bestowed on the Limerick property at the WorldTravel Awards, held in New Delhi, India. Thisaward bestows international recognition of theunrivalled golf course, superb accommodationand services offered at Adare Manor. This awardis the culmination of a ground-breaking year atAdare Manor who were recently named Ireland’sNumber One Parkland Course by Golf DigestIreland.

Boyne Valley’s German pitchMembers of the Boyne Valley tourismindustry recently travelled to Germany topitch directly to 12 of the largest touroperators in the market as part of the FailteIreland Sales Connect programme. FáilteIreland has been working with local agencypartners, and Tourism Ireland, to facilitatethe promotion of the Boyne Valley in theGerman market along with securing realsales opportunities for 2013. Pictured (l-r): Martina O’Dwyer, Fáilte Ireland; CoraDwyer, Bellinter House; Kevin Moriarty, Fáilte Ireland; Clare Tyffy, OPW; KevinStewart, Meath Co Council and Joan Martin, County Manager Louth.

Love Your LatteCosta Coffee was one of the first supportersof the National Dairy Council packagingmark when it was introduced in September2009 as a guarantee to consumers in theRepublic of Ireland that milk and cream hasbeen both farmed and processed locally.Costa Coffee is now celebrating three yearsof continuous use of milk and cream carryingthe NDC guarantee.

Many of the handcrafted beverages atCosta Coffee are based on frothy fresh milk,fresh steamed milk or cream toppings - and - it’s official - we Irish love our Lattesand Cappuccinos.

Research from Costa Coffee shows that Irish consumers particularly enjoy themilkier beverages, with Latte coming top of the league as the most popular drink(26%), followed by Cappuccino (23%) and then Americano, Tea & Hot Chocolate.

005-009 News 6/1/13 16:09 Page 6