Travel News February 2019


AT and APD are “massive obstacles which are putting a brake” on the Northern Ireland tourism industry’s growth, according to the Chair of the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance. Brenda Morgan was speaking at a Members Forum at Riddel Hall, Belfast, marking the successful conclusion of a year in business for the Alliance.


NORTHERN IRELAND 27


VAT AND APD PUTS BRAKE ON TOURISM V


Addressing the audience of key players refl ecting public and private sector representation within the hospitality and tourism sector were John McGrillen CEO Tourism NI, Niall Gibbons, CEO Tourism Ireland and Geraldine Fee, from the Department for the Economy.


The Chair of the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance opened proceedings with a review of progress made since its inception a year ago. She said that, although the organisation’s diverse membership means it refl ects a huge variety of views, it nevertheless provides Northern Ireland’s all-important hospitality and tourism sector with a single, united voice. The demand for progress has been refl ected in the organisation’s fast growing membership which has attracted infl uential members across the public and private sectors.


Brenda Morgan commented: “From the outset we have identifi ed VAT and APD as massive obstacles which are putting a brake on our industry’s growth. “Air Passenger Duty, the tax levied on every passenger travelling on every fl ight departing from airports in the United Kingdom, is the highest tax of its kind in the world while, at the same time, the UK’s 20 per cent tourism VAT rate is amongst the


Launch of NI tourism Awards


TOURISM NI has launched this year’s Northern Ireland Tourism Awards alongside event sponsor Diageo.


Hillsborough Castle and Gardens has been transformed


highest in Europe, putting us at a huge disadvantage when, just across the border the Republic imposes a rate of just 13.5 per cent. Those two major issues which unite our industry and, working together, galvanised for action we will continue to push Government for positive reform. In the months ahead NITA undertakes to visit every area of Northern Ireland to consult, face-to-face, with all our members, drawing on their experiences, concerns and knowledge.”


Following the Fairy Trail is no Fermanagh Fairytale!


PAULA McAREAVEY and family followed the Fairy Trail on Lusty Beg island in Fermanagh...


FROM the stunning views from the trail, the riddles and clues given to the unique inspirational messages carved into the trees – the fairy trail really is a great adventure for both young and old. The fairy trail is themed throughout the year – and we had the pleasure of doing the festive trail which meant we came face to face with quite a few naughty elves… if you’re brave enough there is also a Halloween trail later in the year with many more themed events throughout the year including charity events. Myself, my husband and two daughters (aged 9 and 2) took to the trail with maps in hand, determined to solve the clues before each other. Following the map brought us through the Fermanagh woodlands and through the charming nature trail… spotting the


Hillsborough Castle and Gardens reopen


after transformation MEMBERS of the public can see a transformed Hillsborough Caste and Gardens when it opens its doors to visitors daily for the fi rst time soon - on April 10, 2019. After fi ve years, and a £20 million investment, Historic Royal Palaces has transformed this elegant Georgian house, unlocking the intriguing tapestry of stories hidden within.


For those wishing to delve deeper into the Castle’s legacy, the new Clore Learning Centre will be used as a creative and educational space to inspire schools and communities.


The fascinating history of the Castle and gardens will be explored through hands-on activities, workshops and talks, ensuring there is something for everyone.


Tourism businesses across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to enter the awards which will take place in May. The Northern Ireland Tourism Awards will recognise and reward excellence, best practice and innovation by tourism and hospitality businesses from across the country over the last 12 months. This year, businesses have the opportunity to compete for eleven categories ranging from Authentic NI Experience of the Year and NI Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year to Best International Experience of the Year and Most Impactful Digital Innovation. The full list of categories can be found on the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards website. John McGrillen, Tourism NI Chief Executive said: “On the international stage our reputation as a tourism destination, both for leisure and business, has grown substantially and these awards are about recognising those in the industry who have helped to deliver this success.”


“With such a huge year ahead as we gear up to host The 148th Open at Royal Portrush, I have confi dence that 2019 will again see the tourism industry break records. I wish all of our entrants this year the very best of luck.”


The deadline for submitting entries is Thursday, February 21 at 5pm.


MED-Lab exhibition...


MED-LAB, a new interactive medical themed exhibition area at W5, takes visitors of all ages on an extraordinary and fun journey of discovery into the human body.


The only exhibition of its kind in Ireland, it off ers visitors the opportunity to learn about the amazing systems that keep our bodies alive and, by using advanced imaging technologies, see inside the body.


City centre hotel completes £9m renovation programme


JURY’S Inn, one of the UK and Ireland’s leading hotel Groups, has announced the completion of a £9.1 million major renovation programme at its Belfast city hotel. As part of the programme, Jurys Inn Belfast received signifi cant bedroom and public area upgrades, including a stylish new look bar and restaurant and innovations to the check-in experience.


The Group marked the completion of the multi- million pound refurbishment at a launch party last night at the hotel on Great Victoria Street.


Paula’s youngest daughter spots a fairy house hidden in the woods


The writer’s eldest daughter navigated the trail, map in hand


little fairy houses every now and again really kept the kids entertained, as well as the riddles where the kids had to solve the riddles and answer the questions to fi nd the overall answer. It really was a fun activity. The stunning views over the Fermanagh lakes was a high point for us adults as well. Wellies/Appropriate footwear is encouraged as the trail is completely off road and there are lots of muddy puddles around – which my two-year-old loved. (Peppa Pig anyone?)


We spent around one and half hours on the adventure through the forest and fi nished off with a delicious meal in the cozy bar/ restaurant & we were looked after by great staff . Verdict: An excellent outing for both young and old. The Fairy Trail at Lusty Beg Island is priced at £2 for adults and £3 for children. You may also want to Extend your stay with a bite to eat in the lounge area the food is great and service is even better. Dogs are also welcome too but must be kept on a lead. This award winning island just keeps getting better!


The programme saw an 80-bedroom extension added, with the hotel now boasting 270 bedrooms in total. These stylish new bedrooms have each been decorated with an individual wall mural of iconic Northern Ireland landmarks.


All bedrooms now feature the exclusive DREAM bed by Jurys Inn, which has been designed with intelligent body support and King Koil’s luxury coil springs, plus a bespoke feather and down duvet and plush pillows for ultimate comfort. Bedrooms also include a fl at screen TV, large workspace with an ergonomic chair, en suite bathroom, complimentary toiletries and much more. Upgraded technology has


also been introduced to the bedrooms, allowing for contactless key card entry.


The hotel’s lobby, restaurant and bar areas have all been transformed to incorporate a vibrant new décor, with contemporary furnishings sourced from local suppliers including Balmoral Furniture and Ulster Carpets. The bedroom walls also feature beautiful artwork from Omagh-based gallery Spires Art, which now display unique imagery of famous local landmarks, such as Harland & Wolff cranes, Belfast City Hall and Queen’s University.


A brand-new connectivity area has also been introduced to the hotel lobby as part of the refurbishment. Guests can now easily set-up their laptops in the area to work remotely, while also availing of the hotel’s complimentary high-speed WiFi. The lobby area has also been revamped with a brand new ‘Off the Shelf’ shop which stocks a selection of drinks, snacks and travel necessities.


Additionally, new self-check-in kiosks have recently been installed as part of the hotel’s commitment to enhancing its technology off ering. The hotel’s new-look bar and restaurant off ers fresh contemporary dining.


Further 16 rooms at Fitzwilliam


THE fi ve-star Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast has announced the completion of the second phase of development at its premises on Great Victoria Street bringing the total amount invested in the property since 2016 to £5million.


This latest phase of investment has seen the addition of a further 16 luxury bedrooms and a stunning new penthouse suite with panoramic views over the city. This follows an initial £2million refi t in November 2016 which saw the introduction of the sumptuous, art deco inspired colour palettes and furnishings throughout the lobby and bedrooms.


General Manager of the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Cian Landers said: “Over the last 10 years the Fitzwilliam Hotel has continuously invested in improving the off ering available to our customers. We strive to ensure that our guests enjoy the best in luxury and service and this new development has once again allowed us to do just that.


Lusty beg island is a magical place for an adventure


The Fairy Trail is well sign-posted


“The addition of these new rooms and The Penthouse increases the total number of rooms to 146, a 12 per cent increase which will help to meet the continuing rise


in visitors seeking luxury accommodation in the city, which we are thrilled about.”


Designed and crafted by Christopher Ash and Project Orange, The Penthouse, on the ninth fl oor is a stand-out space, representing the pinnacle of luxury accommodation and has been completed in time for visitors attending this year’s British Open at Royal Portrush.


The Penthouse has been individually designed and boasts a private wrap around roof terrace overlooking Belfast and its very own baby grand piano, perfect for entertaining.The colour scheme of The Penthouse is predominantly pale as a counterpoint to the richness of the dark timber and balances backgrounds of cream and rose pink with signature green and gold accents. Furnishings are a combination of bespoke items designed by Project Orange and other pieces from premium contemporary furniture brands. The additional 16 new rooms, located on the eighth and ninth fl oors also feature panoramic views and cater for those visitors who seek luxury when travelling away from home with fi ve-star touches added to each room.


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