Down District Council
News
Down’s Got Tourism Talent
20 May 2008
The search for Down District Council’s Tourism Heroes of 2008 has culminated in a Gala Awards Dinner at the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa in Newcastle.
The red carpet was rolled out for several hundred representatives of the region’s vibrant tourism and hospitality sector as they gathered for the announcement of the 2008 Awards, recognising excellence across a wide range of tourism-related enterprises.
Announcing the winners, Councillor Eddie Rea, Chairman of Down District Council, paid tribute to all those involved in tourism and hospitality in the District and thanked them for the positive impact they have on the local economy. He told his audience,
“Last year more than 2 million domestic and overseas tourists stayed in Down District – over 3 million bednights and revenue of almost £164.5 million. That is not only irrefutable evidence of the strength of the sector currently, but also an indication of its future importance to the wider economy.
Down District Council has shown its commitment to the growth of the sector with a number of major infrastructure projects and with strategic partnerships designed to support the promotion and marketing of the region. While much of our work inevitably focuses on planning for the future, we believe that we should also recognise the strength and vitality of the sector today – and our Tourism Heroes Awards do just that. We are delighted tonight to celebrate and applaud the work of individuals and small to medium sized businesses which are at the heart of our vibrant tourism sector. They have the interests of our District’s economy at heart and deserve a vote of thanks from all of us.”
The winner of the Best Community Tourism Initiative Award:
Castlewellan Regeneration Ltd
Since 1991, Castlewellan Regeneration Ltd has been actively involved in encouraging the regeneration of Castlewellan. Their latest project has been the extensive renovation work on the new culture and business centre named “the Lodge.” It is just one of many projects undertaken by the group, including the construction of Hillyard House, the Corncrane Centre - the list is endless.
Highly Commended, Best Community Tourism Initiative:
Newcastle Community Property Development
A ‘not for profit’ limited liability company whose aim is to contribute to the economic, social and environmental regeneration of Newcastle.
The winner of the Best New Tourism Business Award:
Slievemoyle Cottages, close to Strangford village
Slievemoyle Cottages is a rapidly growing provider of luxury 4 star, self catering accommodation near Strangford. Four traditional 18th Century stone cottages are fully equipped to provide a very comfortable, relaxing stay all year round. The location is breathtaking with spectacular views and a great variety of activities within easy reach.
Highly Commended, Best New Tourism Business:
Downpatrick Golf Driving Range
A state of the art golf facility catering for scratch golfers to newcomers. Here they can enjoy the peace and tranquility of rural surroundings whist developing their golf to the level they wish. A PGA professional is on hand for lessons and expert advice on club customisation.
The winner of the Exceptional Accommodation Experience Award:
Golf Links House, Newcastle
Golf Links House is a family run licensed guest house, incorporating a 90 seat restaurant and function room for up to 100 guests. Established in 1977 and with the more recent addition of a stylish restaurant almost 7 years ago, Golf Links believes in, and delivers, locally produced, quality food, served in an inviting and homely environment.
Highly Commended, Exceptional Accommodation Experience:
Swan Lodge Guest House, Downpatrick
Superb food, served in luxurious surroundings, a warm welcome and a relaxing atmosphere . . . where nothing is too much trouble for guests’ comfort and every guest is important.
The winner of the Restaurant Of The Year Award:
Curran’s Seafood Steakhouse, Ardglass
At Curran’s Seafood Steakhouse staff are passionate about what they do. These are some comments from the mystery shopper - “the Food was delicious – both the quality and presentation were first class – this restaurant really creates a positive experience for both domestic and foreign customers.” Amazingly this restaurant received a score of 98% overall – an outstanding experience!”
Highly Commended, Restaurant of the Year:
The Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Newcastle
Part of the Hastings Hotels company, The Slieve Donard is a 4 star hotel which also offers luxury spa facilities. Its superb Oak Restaurant offers a fine dining experience where the food is as memorable as the stunning views.
The winner of the Tourism Pub Of The Year:
Denvir’s Hotel, Downpatrick
A philosophy of fun, reward and recognition is what makes Denvir’s Hotel (one of the Botanic Inns Group) a great place to work. Plenty of team spirit, good leadership and an overall sense of wellbeing are the order of the day. The Northern Ireland based chain is a beacon of good practice in an industry renowned for tough working conditions and high staff turnover.
Highly Commended, Tourism Pub of the Year:
The White Horse Inn, Saintfield
The White Horse Inn is a well established family run business offering a very affordable selection of locally produced food and award winning beers. Celebrated for comfortable and stylish settings, its aim is to encourage customers to view it as a really excellent community bar.
Tourism Heroes of 2008:
Liz McMorris and Ian Davis
Congratulating the outstanding tourism personalities of the year, Cllr Eddie Rea, Chairman of Down District Council, said, “From two quite different areas of our diverse tourism industry we have chosen individuals who represent all that is best about the sector.”
“Liz McMorris, who, with her husband, John, runs the highly successful Swan Lodge Guest House, is one of our best known tourism personalities. Her general knowledge of the sector, her eye for detail and her networking skills make her the consummate professional and she is happy to share her experience and expertise to the wider benefit. Her role in guiding the Armagh Down Tourism Partnership has highlighted both her skills and enthusiasm. We are delighted that she is prepared to share her vision and entrepreneurial skills so generously with others across our region.”
“Ian Davis of the Downpatrick & County Down Railway has turned what started as a hobby into a hugely successful enterprise. While we all recognise the hard work and nights of worry which inevitably lie behind a venture of this scale, Ian never seems to lose sight of the fact that, in tourism, we’re all in the entertainments business. Despite the hard work, Ian always seems to be having fun and the pleasure he takes in his hobby is contagious. His knowledge, experience and enthusiasm have helped to create a fabulous tourism resource for our District, for which we are all grateful.”
The winners of the Down District Council Tourism Heroes Awards each received Down District Council’s version of the ‘Oscar’, a fabulous limited edition ‘Percy’, based on the iconic life-size sculpture of local tourism hero Percy French on Newcastle Promenade.
For further information, please contact Angela Gilchrist at Down District Council on 0 28 4461 0800,
or e-mail angela.gilchrist@downdc.gov.uk