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NEWS NEWS Turning towns tidy Dublin Hilton boss scoops manager award

Erwin Verhoog, General Manager of Hilton Building on the Tidy Towns seal of approval, Fáilte Ireland has this year invited the Dublin Hotel has raised the bar for hotel top 100 Tidy Towns from 2011 to apply for the very first Tourism Towns Award - a management standards in the UK & Ireland, new scheme developed to recognise and reward excellence in tourism having been announced as Hotel Manager of development and support Irish towns to enhance the visitor’s experience of their the Year.The awards are hosted annually by local area. Hilton Worldwide for all UK & Ireland hotels within the group, of which there are over 100. Ship of dreams Tourism Ireland comment on winter tourism figures Commenting on the CSO figures issued for overseas visitor numbers to Ireland for the three-month period December 2011 to February 2012, Niall Gibbons, chief executive of Tourism Ireland, said:”Despite the global economic landscape of recent months, which continues to present a challenging environment for travel, I am pleased to see growth of almost +3% for the three-month period December 2011 to February 2012. It is a positive start to Model Nicola Haughey at the launch of Tourism Ireland’s live blogging event, which 2012. Particularly welcome is the growth of took place from inside the new Titanic Belfast building. The event allowed hundreds +6.6% in visitor numbers from Great Britain, of thousands of potential British and European visitors to experience the new our largest and most important market which attraction online before members of the public stepped through the doors. delivers about 45% of all our overseas visitors.”

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NEWS Galway Lording it up restaurant wins Bia award

Lord Henry Mountcharles (third from right) and his son Alex (third from left) welcomes Australian travel writers and Donna Campbell, Tourism Ireland Australia (left), to Slane Castle. Keeping the home fires burning

Ard Bia, Galway has been awarded Bord Bia’s Just Ask! Restaurant of the Month for April. Located in a stone built medieval customs house overlooking the Claddagh Basin, Ard Bia comprises of a Café, Restaurant and Wine Bar. Owned by Aoibheann MacNamara has been awarded Just ask winner for April because of their dedication to scouring ingredients locally.

Heineken Fáilte Ireland has been asked by Minister Varadkar to carry out a scoping study into the establishment of a Diaspora Centre in Ireland. As a first step in this process, a small group, chaired by Broadcaster John Bowman, has been set up to guide the launches new study. “It is believed that a Diaspora of approximately 71m Irish people exists across the globe and finding an appropriate way to connect with these people would clearly bring significant benefits for Irish tourism,” said Aidan Pender, website Director of Strategic Development, Fáilte Ireland. Heineken Ireland is set to launch a brand new dedicated on-trade website, Heineken TradeZone. Customers can now access Guinness World Record relevant company, brand, activation, and event information across the Heineken Ireland portfolio. Heineken’s customers will have Success for Bunzl exclusive access to the Grow Your Business section, where Heineken will share on-trade The world’s largest water specific tips, from how to use digital marketing mosaic, as confirmed by and social media effectively, to managing your Guinness World Records, was portfolio of brands in outlet. recently created at the annual Heineken TradeZone will open its virtual conference of Bunzl Catering & doors to Heineken Ireland customers in mid- Hospitality Division at the O2 April to coincide with the introduction of the Arena in London. Over 300 complimentary Heineken Star Saturday employees and suppliers visibility kit. worked together, taking three Heineken Star Saturday is a unique and hours to fill 81,000 white plastic special occasion where both the Heineken Cup cups with 17,000 litres of and UEFA Champions League finals will take different coloured water. The place on the same day - 19th May 2012. theme of the 2012 conference, For further information, contact your local introduced by Matt Johnson, Managing Director, Bunzl Catering & Hospitality Heineken sales team. Division was: “Citius - Altius - Fortius” (Faster - Higher - Stronger), an Olympic www.heinekentradezone.ie motto first used in the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris.

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NEWS Fruit of the summer Cobh’s Titanic connections

Keelings, the 100% Irish family owned company and experts in fresh produce, presents the first Irish strawberry of 2012 which was grown on its own farms, to Irish Rugby team member Tommy Bowe. Rachel Allen kicks off family Journalists enjoyed the Titanic Trail Tour in friendly season Cobh with guide Michael Martin (fifth from left). Niall Gibbons, chief executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “Tourism Ireland is delighted to bring this group of journalists to Cobh and to Co Cork. As the last port-of-call for Titanic, the 100-year anniversary is an excellent opportunity for us to highlight Cobh to a wide audience of potential holidaymakers worldwide.” LEC Commercial Catering Refrigeration goes platinum!

One of Ireland’s favourite celebrity chefs, Rachel Allen, has officially launched Fáilte Ireland’s Cool for Kids Fun for Family guide for Youghal, East Cork, and West Waterford at Perks Entertainment Centre, Youghal. The event was attended by a number of tourism operators from the designated family friendly zones that have joined the Fáilte Ireland project in order to make the area famous for family holidays. French Connection for Ireland Minister for Finance Michael Noonan T.D. (fourth from right) met with tourism partners from around Ireland at MAP in Paris. MAP is a major travel show that attracts over 100,000 visitors each year - including influential tour operators, travel agents and travel Lec, the commercial refrigeration specialist, writers, as well as many has re-launched its specialist catering thousands of potential refrigeration range with an 18-model line-up of French holidaymakers under counter and freestanding refrigerators looking for ideas and and freezers for use in commercial premises. suggestions for their Designed and named to commemorate 70 next short break or years of Lec refrigeration, the new Platinum holiday destination. range offers a wider choice of energy efficient, The four-day event environmentally friendly models that offer low provided a valuable running costs at an affordable price and from a opportunity for the trusted brand name. participating Irish For further information on the Lec range tourism companies to of refrigeration equipment visit showcase their tourism www.lec-commercial.co.uk or contact product. (UK) 0044 844 248 4274.

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NEWS The first resort French connection

Pictured on the Tourism Ireland stand at Meedex, the meetings and events fair which took place last week at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, France, are Donna Brogan, Dublin Convention Bureau; Catherine Bertin, Tourism Ireland; Eva Schmid, Killarney Hotels; Armando Borgatta, A Touch of Ireland; Áine Comerford, Citywest Hotel, Dublin; and Christophe de Patoul, Irish Horizons (destination management company).

Louise Waters, Spa Manager at Delphi Spa, Blooming success in Philadelphia Delphi Mountain Resort, accepting the Susan Cloyd, CIE Tours International; Jean Residential Spa of the Year Award from Gerard McCluskey, Tourism Ireland; Paul Mockler, McCarthy, Dalesauna at the 2012 Professional Shannon Development; Trevor Edwards, the Beauty Awards. Plantsman’s Garden Tours; Zoe Bratton, Causeway Coast and Glens; Úna Galligan and Hillarie McGuinness, both Tourism Ireland; Writers Guild dish Ellen McNulty, Lynott Tours; and Marie Booth, B&B Ireland, on the Tourism Ireland stand at the up food awards 2012 Philadelphia International Flower Show. Ireland ‘Goes Dutch’ at Tourism Workshop in Amsterdam Pictured (l-r) at Tourism Ireland’s recent “Ireland workshop” in Amsterdam: Finola O’Mahony and Karen van der Horst, both from Tourism Ireland; Ambassador Mary Whelan; Helena Healy, B&B Ireland; and Jolande Lambers, OAD Reizen. Pictured are the Irish Food Writers’ Guild Food Awards winners: Masterchef Ireland Winner Mary Carney (centre) with Patrick Rooney Derrycamma Farm Rapeseed Oil, Brendan and Strand Hotel ties the knot Derek Allen Castlemine Farm Free Range Pork, The Limerick Strand has won a ‘Best overall Wedding Venue’ Award at 2012’s Real Jack McCarthy, McCarthy’s of Kanturk; Carol Wedding Oscars, beating off stiff competition from other top Irish hotel venues. Rooney, Derrycamma Farm Rapeseed Oil, Con They added this accolade to their growing list of awards. The Limerick Strand Hotel Traas, The Apple Farm, and David Tiernan, has just launched Ireland’s first ‘Wedding Skype Service’ to facilitate the current Glebe Brethan Cheese. levels of wedding enquiries and bookings coming from Australia in particular. Castle Hotel scoops Ringing in the changes second TripAdvisor award Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Michael Ring has announced details of a new The 4 * Castle Hotel in Macroom, Co. Cork beat overseas joint tourism marketing campaign from a range of funding sources to off stiff competition and was voted best family boost tourism to the Western Region from Great Britain, Germany, France and Italy. hotel by Trip Advisor in its annual Travellers’ Funding of €1 million has been allocated through Fáilte Ireland, five local Family Hotel Choice Awards. authorities (Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo and Roscommon), Tourism Ireland, the The Castle Hotel was ranked within the top Western Development Commission and Ireland West Airport Knock, towards the 25 hotels in Ireland in the “family” hotel award Western Region Tourism Marketing Programme. category by TripAdvisor - in January it was Fáilte Ireland is providing €600,000 of the €1 million total. It is estimated that the ranked within the top 25 hotels in Ireland in the overall total campaign spend could actually reach €1.4 million as additional value “bargain” hotel award category by TripAdvisor. is also leveraged from key carrier and tour operator partners overseas.

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NEWS Wild Atlantic Way Irish hockey team stay at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel

Fáilte Ireland has confirmed that local authorities along the western seaboard are happy to work with them this year on developing the Tourism Authority’s new touring route, stretching along the west coast of Ireland (from Donegal to Cork): the Wild Atlantic Way. Currently in its development phase, this new proposed driving Pictured during a stay at Fitzpatrick Castle route will provide a guided touring route (from Donegal to Cork) which will attract Hotel, Killiney, are members of the Irish Senior tourists to key destinations and attractions all along the west coast. Men’s Hockey Team with Eithne Fitzpatrick, Managing Director, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Nicky Logue, General Manager, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Sean Dempsey, Head Chef, Cornstore Success at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel and Peter Jackson, Team Coach. The team are staying in the hotel while they complete in the qualifiers for the Sommeliers Graduation Olympics in London. The Cornstore Restaurant Group was celebrating last month following the successful completion of the Tourist crime Irish Guild of Sommeliers Certificate Course by four of their staff; Mike Ryan stats released (Executive Chef/Manager, ITAS, the Irish Tourist Assistance Service Cornstore Cork), Chris launched its annual statistics of tourist crime O’Meara (Manager, today at its annual meeting in the Mansion Cornstore Limerick), Colette House Dublin. Last year the Irish Tourist O’ Connor (Assistant Assistance Service received 394 incidents of Manager, Cornstore Cork) tourist crime and traumatic incidents involving and Dulcie Griffin 690 tourists. The main crime against tourists (Supervisor, Cornstore Limerick). The candidates joined over 25 other members at was theft from person at 42%, followed by theft a recent graduation ceremony in Stephens Green Hibernian Club, Dublin. The from cars at 53 cases. Dublin Garda Stations course was run in partnership with the Restaurants Association of Ireland. continue to refer the majority of the cases (80%) to ITAS followed by Garda Stations in counties Wicklow, Galway, Cork and Louth. Kiwi surprise There were 16 cases of violent crimes against tourists referred in 2011. These ranged Popular New Zealand blogger Ms Paddy from aggravated theft to robbery with violence. Patrick is presented with the Certificate Crimes tended to occur when tourists were of Irish Heritage by Minister for Arts, sightseeing, shopping and generally relaxing in Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs Jimmy restaurants and cafés. The majority of crimes Deenihan T.D., at Ross Castle, Killarney. referred to the Service occurred between 2- 6pm in Dublin City Centre. The victims tended to be female and aged between 17-25yrs.

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NEWS APPOINTMENTS Mahoney directs A Keane appointment proceedings at Shelbourne

Jonathan Keane has been brought in to head the team at Lisloughrey Lodge, in Cong, Co. Mayo, Jonathon is looking forward to showcasing the fresh local produce of the area in his menus. Originally from Kylemore, Connemara, Jonathan was surrounded by inspiring landscape, excellent ingredients and the magic of the sea. He grew up eating the freshest fish and plucking his own potatoes before kitchen gardens were fashionable. He was always fascinated by the happenings of The Shelbourne Hotel has announced the kitchens and by 16, he knew what he wanted to do in life. Achieving Head Chef appointment of Alan Mahoney as Director of status at just 22, Keane built up experience in the five star Adare Manor in Limerick, Operations at the hotel. Alan Mahoney has over O’Grady’s in Clifden and Cashel House in Connemara. 20 years’ comprehensive experience in the hotel and catering industry, both nationally and internationally, having worked in a wide range of properties, from small family-run businesses Grainne VP at Aramark to large international hotel chains, at varied ARAMARK Ireland, a levels of grading. major integrated food, facilities and property management provider, John Clifton has appointed Grainne Kelliher as Vice President of Food appointed GM of Services. In her new position, Grainne will oversee ARAMARK Ballsbridge Hotel Ireland’s entire Food Services operations across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Limerick man takes over!

John Clifton has been appointed General Manager of the newly refurbished Ballsbridge Hotel (the former Jury’s Hotel). John has been working in the industry for over 30 years; with over 20 years experience in General Manager positions. He previously held positions in the US at the Doyle’s Stratford Inn in Connecticut, Michael Magner, Managing Director at Fitzgerald’s Vienna Woods Hotel & Holiday the Doyle’s Washington Courtyard and the Villas, was recently appointed Cork Branch Chairman of the Irish Hotels Federation. Normandy Hotel, Washington. Prior to his Michael, originally from Newcastle West in Limerick, started out his hotel career at appointment at Ballsbridge, he was GM of the Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel & Spa Adare, before progressing to Cork, Burlington Hotel from 2000 to 2011. where along with the Fitzgerald family, he invested in what is now the new Fitzgerald’s Vienna Woods Hotel.

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NEWS EXTRA €6 billion Irish foodservice industry unites New look representative body formed for the sector

The Irish foodservice sector has joined forces to create a new industry body - The Irish revival of the market, together with a revival Foodservice Suppliers Alliance (IFSA) - formed with the aim of establishing and in hotels on the back of a more buoyant maintaining a collective agreement of standards and objectives for the overall tourist trade. Innovation in the sector is seen foodservice suppliers industry in Ireland. Previously the Catering Equipment as a crucial driving force to accelerate this Association (CEA), IFSA was launched recently at the CEA AGM in Dublin. Also at the revival. launch details of Catex 2013 were unveiled which will take place in the RDS, Dublin on In its role as both a showcase and a 19th-21st Feb 2013. Enjoying the full support of the well organised existing foodservice platform for the industry, CATEX has, over representative bodies, the objective of IFSA is to promote, develop and enhance the the years become the stage for a wide variety position of all the foodservice suppliers in the industry as not just a lobby group, but of National and International Foodservice as a group that can collectively drive the whole industry forward. Heralding the launch skills competitions. At CATEX the finals of of IFSA, the CEA undertook a year-long strategic review of the industry and identified many culinary and other Foodservice Skills a clear opportunity for all suppliers to the foodservice industry to join together and not competitions are given the profile and wide only represent themselves to the foodservice providers, but to proactively engage with audience that they deserve. the industry through forums, events and online trade & promotion. The result has seen Mirroring the dynamic nature of the the launch of the Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance, delivering enterprise, trade, industry CATEX too is moving with the times. training, development and networking to all of the industry. Fresh for 2013 will be an all-new stand Layout, an Artisan Food Market, an On-Trade Kitchen concept, a focus on Energy and Waste Management and the Foodservice Heroes Stage where visitors can learn from the best in the Business Julie Morrissey, Chairperson IFSAsaid , “With IFSA at its core, CATEX 2013 will be our biggest and best show yet, offering a wider range of food and beverage suppliers and a strong focus on local and sustainable produce. The show promises to bring industry leaders together to showcase the best and brightest in the industry for foodservice equipment and ancillary products and services. It will also attract the most sought-after buyers and decision makers on the scene. AT CATEX 2013 you will see a renewed emphasis on promotion of Julie Morrissey, Chairperson IFSA said, “IFSA is something that I truly believe in, I the industry and a real facilitation for am passionate about its positive contribution that it can have on our industry. My networking and developing to enhance and vision for IFSA is very simply that same vision held collectively by the IFSA board and support all that is best in the Irish foodservice that is to be the representative body of choice for foodservice suppliers, which will industry now and for the future.” demonstrate excellence in representation of our members, while being the central hub With IFSA at its core, CATEX for networking, communications and sales events within the industry” 2013 will be our biggest and Julie continued, “I firmly believe that the future of foodservice in Ireland is very bright. best show yet, offering a Ireland is being recognised as a place to do smart business on the global economic wider range of food and stage. I believe we will continue to see the expansion of this smarter economy and beverage suppliers and a with it the expansion of the corporate catering sector. After a difficult few years we are strong focus on local and left with some really fantastic hotels, pubs and restaurants these will be the foodservice sustainable produce. establishments that are leaner and keener and better than ever before, these are the business that will continue to boost Ireland’s reputation as a great place in which to The objective of the IFSA is to promote, travel, live and do business.” develop and enhance the position of all CATEX, sponsored by Bunzl and Calor, has been the highlight of the foodservice foodservice suppliers in the industry as, not calendar since 1965 and 2013 is set to be the best yet is expected to attract up to 9000 just a lobby group, but as a group that can decision-makers and is a showcase for the newest and most innovative products and collectively drive the whole industry forward. services and stage to host the most thrilling and hotly contested competitions within IFSA members will enjoy a the industry. comprehensive range of services from Despite many closures in the far-reaching foodservice industry during the recession, “business support, an online marketplace and foodservice remains a €6 Billion market in the industry equating to €1.8 Billion in community and a full calendar of networking operator purchasing prices. Industry trends also indicate that quick-service restaurants events not least CATEX 2013 next February. and ‘other commercial’ (such as on-the-go and casual dining) will drive the continued www.ifsa.eu.com

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