The outstanding performance of The Belmore Court & Motel in achieving record annual occupancies has won it a place as a finalist in the prestigious UTV / Business Eye awards.
The Enniskillen-based motel which underwent a £2.5m refurbishment and extension a year ago will compete against the Ulster Museum, The Merchant Hotel and Airporter for the coveted Tourism & Hospitality category of the awards which will attract an attendance of more than 400 top business people at The Culloden Hotel on 15 October.
Located in the centre of Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, the Belmore Court reached the 20,000 bednights’ milestone almost exactly one year to the day after the official opening of its 30 bedroom extension.
Owner, Terry McCartney revealed:
“The Motel is celebrating its 21st year and it has been gratifying to see a 205% year on year increase in Irish visitors, no doubt swayed by the recent weakness of sterling against the Euro and a 133% rise in the numbers of Scottish visitors. Overall it has been a terrific year all-around with the achieving of AA 4 Star status by the UK, VisitBritain, VisitScotland and VisitWales.
“We have invested heavily in our accommodation and staff training and we believe the market has responded to our unique offering. A major element in the success is the Belmore Court & Motel customer ‘experience’. This has been borne out by several independent surveys and is something of which we are very proud. Part of the supporting evidence lies in the fact we have featured regularly in Trip Advisor’s number one and two slots during 2010. To be shortlisted against the ‘big boys’ in this major competition is a perfect finish to what has been a great year for our team at The Belmore Court & Motel.”
The Belmore Court & Motel was opened by Terry’s father, Raymond McCartney, who was inspired to build a motel after extensive travels in the USA.
Terry McCartney concedes his motel has ‘bucked the trend’ in many ways.
“We decided to push ahead with what was a serious investment right in the heart of the recession which, I suppose, was a surprise to some. But we have great confidence in our product and our people and we always knew the addition of new bedrooms, which boast state-of-the-art flatscreen TVs, iPod docking stations and free wifi, would add further to our already compelling offering.
“We have experienced particularly strong interest from corporate customers who want to provide their executives with value for money, good quality accommodation and we are looking optimistically towards the summer season with many people likely to opt for a holiday in the UK or Ireland due to the economic downturn.
“We believe passionately in our product and service and all work to raising the bar every day. This year we have seen strong visitor numbers and we are confident the market will continue respond well to our unique offering.”
The Belmore Court & Motel was also was commended in the annual NI Tourism Awards’ Serviced Accommodation category held in Belfast City Hall.
To find out more about The Belmore Court & Motel log on to www.motel.co.uk.
