Menu
20/01/2012
Merchant Named UK's Best Hotel
A hotel in Northern Ireland has been named the UK’s best hotel during the International Hotel Awards.
The Merchant Hotel, in Belfast, was honoured with the award during a ceremony held in London last night.
Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said: "Northern Ireland's reputation for a first class hospitality offering continues to be enhanced, not least by the Merchant Hotel’s success.
"Last night was a great evening for Northern Ireland. While the Merchant was being named the UK’s Best Hotel in London, I was also in the city to officially launch NI 2012 ‘Your Time, Our Place’, a memorable programme of events that celebrates everything Northern Ireland has to offer as a place to live, work and visit.
"We have a real opportunity to spread the word that Northern Ireland is a truly remarkable tourist destination and this international recognition for Belfast’s Merchant Hotel is a further boost to those efforts."
NI Tourism Looking Good?
This news comes at time when two top travel guides have recommended Northern Ireland to tourists.
Fodor’s Ireland 2012, a well-known and established travel guide, has dedicated several pages to Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest exhibition, which is set to open 31 March. They have also named Belfast as one of the top 21 places in the world to visit in 2012.
Describing the Titanic Belfast as a ‘top attraction’, the book features a six page colour photograph ‘spotlight special’ on the Titanic, covering its history and the special centennial events set to take place.
Meanwhile recently another travel guide said that Belfast has become a "hip and hedonistic party town".
Lonely Planet author told UTV that people are now coming to expect more from the city and that Belfast is stepping up to the plate.
In the same report Lonely Planet has said they have been pointing tourists in the direction of must-see locations north and south of the border, with Belfast and Londonderry joining cities like Dublin and Limerick as thriving destinations.
(LB/GK)
The Merchant Hotel, in Belfast, was honoured with the award during a ceremony held in London last night.
Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said: "Northern Ireland's reputation for a first class hospitality offering continues to be enhanced, not least by the Merchant Hotel’s success.
"Last night was a great evening for Northern Ireland. While the Merchant was being named the UK’s Best Hotel in London, I was also in the city to officially launch NI 2012 ‘Your Time, Our Place’, a memorable programme of events that celebrates everything Northern Ireland has to offer as a place to live, work and visit.
"We have a real opportunity to spread the word that Northern Ireland is a truly remarkable tourist destination and this international recognition for Belfast’s Merchant Hotel is a further boost to those efforts."
NI Tourism Looking Good?
This news comes at time when two top travel guides have recommended Northern Ireland to tourists.
Fodor’s Ireland 2012, a well-known and established travel guide, has dedicated several pages to Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest exhibition, which is set to open 31 March. They have also named Belfast as one of the top 21 places in the world to visit in 2012.
Describing the Titanic Belfast as a ‘top attraction’, the book features a six page colour photograph ‘spotlight special’ on the Titanic, covering its history and the special centennial events set to take place.
Meanwhile recently another travel guide said that Belfast has become a "hip and hedonistic party town".
Lonely Planet author told UTV that people are now coming to expect more from the city and that Belfast is stepping up to the plate.
In the same report Lonely Planet has said they have been pointing tourists in the direction of must-see locations north and south of the border, with Belfast and Londonderry joining cities like Dublin and Limerick as thriving destinations.
(LB/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 November 2007
Hoteliers Brief MLAs
Better roads in the west and more hotels on the popular Causeway coast were among the objectives discussed today when MLAs were briefed by members of the Northern Ireland Hotel Federation.
Hoteliers Brief MLAs
Better roads in the west and more hotels on the popular Causeway coast were among the objectives discussed today when MLAs were briefed by members of the Northern Ireland Hotel Federation.
15 November 2012
Foster Leads NI Food Drive In China
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has hosted a 'meet the buyer' sales drive for Northern Ireland food and drink companies in Shanghai. The event was organised by Invest Northern Ireland as part of its participation at Food Hotel China, an event which focuses on the food importing business in China and other parts of Asia.
Foster Leads NI Food Drive In China
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has hosted a 'meet the buyer' sales drive for Northern Ireland food and drink companies in Shanghai. The event was organised by Invest Northern Ireland as part of its participation at Food Hotel China, an event which focuses on the food importing business in China and other parts of Asia.
13 May 2011
Double Blow For NI Hotel Industry
Northern Ireland's hospitality industry has been dealt a double blow with the announcement that the Marine Hotel in Ballycastle, Co Antrim and Lough Erne golf and hotel resort in Co Fermanagh have been placed in administration.
Double Blow For NI Hotel Industry
Northern Ireland's hospitality industry has been dealt a double blow with the announcement that the Marine Hotel in Ballycastle, Co Antrim and Lough Erne golf and hotel resort in Co Fermanagh have been placed in administration.
13 June 2005
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
21 August 2007
£20 Million Hotel To Create Over 100 Jobs
A luxury £20 million hotel is hoping to create more than 100 jobs in Belfast's city centre. The new Fitzwilliam Hotel will be built on Great Victoria Street, next to the Grand Opera House. The hotel will have more than 130 luxury rooms and is being planned as a five-star, which will make it the second in the city centre.
£20 Million Hotel To Create Over 100 Jobs
A luxury £20 million hotel is hoping to create more than 100 jobs in Belfast's city centre. The new Fitzwilliam Hotel will be built on Great Victoria Street, next to the Grand Opera House. The hotel will have more than 130 luxury rooms and is being planned as a five-star, which will make it the second in the city centre.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
