58 | THE LOCAL TOURIST
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Belfast International Airport Unveil New Duty Free Walkthrough Outlet
BELFAST International Airport and Lagardère Travel Retail are proud to be working together to transform the retail landscape at Belfast International Airport. This sees the transition to a new Aelia
Duty Free walkthrough outlet, bringing an exceptional blend
of
Free, Food & Beverage
Duty and
Travel Essentials into one seamless retail experience. Transition to
the new store begins in April and will provide a new walkthrough experience for passengers
as
they leave the security hall and enter the duty- free store before exiting into the Departures concourse. This latest phase is part of the ongoing five year £100m investment plan that was launched in October 2023. The transformation of
this
space at Belfast International Airport will
include an expanded portfolio
of global and local brands such as Jo Malone and Rituals with Charlotte Tilbury and Creed set to launch in the coming weeks. It also features the debut of White Star Coffee Co., a bold new locally inspired dining concept that elevates the food and beverage experience at the airport. A standout
addition is the new
Discover Belfast store, now embedded within the Aelia Duty Free environment. This dedicated space celebrates the best
of Northern Ireland, allowing
travellers to explore regional icons such as the Titanic, famously built at Belfast’s Harland and Wolff shipyard. Disco v e r Belf a st champions local e x c ellenc e, from souvenirs and
premium
confectioner y to exclusive products
from
h ome gr o wn brands. Aelia Duty Free and
Belfast
Int ernational Airport play a
pivotal partnerships role
in introducing Northern Irish
brands to a global audience. Through strategic
retail with local
companies such as McConnell’s Irish Whisky, Born & Bred and Boatyard Distillery, the new store enables local brands to enhance their visibility and connect with a truly international customer base. Dan Owens, CEO
of Belfast
International Airport, added: "This next phase of our redevelopment continues to elevate the passenger experience at Belfast International Airport. The new retail and dining offer not only brings iconic names to our terminal but also proudly showcases the best of
Northern Ireland to the world." Peter Newbould, CEO of
Lagardère Travel Retail UK &Ireland, commented:
"Our vision is to
reimagine the airport journey by blending global brands with authentic local experiences. With this transition, we're not just enhancing retail—we’re creating moments of discovery and inspiration for every traveller passing through Belfast." This dynamic
transformation
reflects the long-standing partnership between Lagardère Travel Retail and Belfast International Airport, and reaffirms a shared commitment to innovation, local identity and best-in- class travel retailing.
Step into ‘Spring Fest’ as Free Family Event Returns To Barnett Demesne Malone House and Barnett Demesne will once again be
THERE’S a truly scrumptious line up of treats in store at this year’s ‘Spring Fest’, with a replica of ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, the famous magical movie car taking centre stage. Belfast City Council’s popular free family event returns to
Barnett Demesne on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April 2025, from 1.30pm to 5.30pm on both days.
transformed into a vibrant hub of music, arts and family-friendly activities. There will be a host of activities to enjoy including the spring
April/May 2025
flower show, live music and entertainment, farmyard animals, food and craft stalls and more. Information is available at
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parkevents
McKeever Hotel Group Acquires Armagh City Hotel
THE directors of the McKeever Hotel Group has confirmed that have acquired the Armagh City Hotel from its former owners, Kieran McAnallan, Felix Mooney, Brian McCormack, and Ernie Fisher, for an undisclosed sum. The popular city centre hotel, which has a
Belfast Set to Welcome Europe’s First Tempo by Hilton Hotel
PLANNING permission for a new 102-bedroom hotel in Belfast city centre has been given the green light, following a Planning Committee meeting taken during the week. The development will
see the
restoration of the well-recognised Scottish Mutual Building, at the junction of Bedford Street, Donegall Square South and James Street South, into a new hotel with bars, restaurants and a ground floor extension. Councillor Arder Carson, Chair of
the council’s Planning Committee said: “Granting
planning permission for
another new hotel in the city centre is welcome news. “The plans for the new hotel, where
the former Scottish Mutual Building is, are also important as they will see the conversion and restoration of another Grade B1 listed building in the city centre. This new hotel development is within the Linen Quarter Conservation area and will be an enhancement to the area through its character/appearance. “The development further reinforces Council’s commitment to develop the city centre and make it an attractive place for people to visit, stay, as well as, work, study and invest in.”
team of 160 staff, has been an established and well-loved part of the Armagh community since it first opened 23 years ago. Renowned for its extensive function suites
which can cater for up to 1200 guests, it has been the chosen venue for large scale events and celebrations, hosting sell-out celebrity concerts, sporting events, press conferences and political gatherings. Welcoming the Armagh City Hotel and
its team to the McKeever Hotel Group, a delighted Eddie McKeever,
Managing
Director said: “We know there has been much speculation about the change of ownership and we’re delighted to finally be in a position to confirm that this great hotel is now part of the McKeever portfolio. “We have always been clear about our
strategy to expand our reach in the local hospitality sector by investing in hotels which
are aligned with our ‘We Do More’ culture. And this is the case in the Armagh City Hotel which has a strong history of service excellence, professionalism and community service. “As part of this important development,
we want to extend a warm welcome to the entire workforce who have been central to the success of Armagh City Hotel, helping to shape its reputation and build customer loyalty.” Expressing their confidence in the new
owners, Kieran McAnallan, Felix Mooney, Brian McCormack, and Ernie Fisher said: “We
are delighted that the McKeever
team is now at the helm of the Armagh City Hotel. We are confident that their combined experience, knowledge and family-focused approach will be fundamental in driving this great facility, and its loyal workforce, forward. “We are incredibly proud of what we have
achieved over the past 23 years and deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey. As we step aside, we do so with immense appreciation and excitement for the hotel’s future under the McKeever family’s stewardship.”
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