It's now the second week in December and we are all gearing up for Christmas. At the Belmore Court we have the Christmas tree and decorations up, the festive music is playing in the background and the staff are ready to go carol singing around Enniskillen (only joking about the carols).
Although it has continued to be very busy we now have time to reflect over our last 12 months. Our year started on a Green note when we achieved the Green Tourism Business Scheme Silver Award; this awards reflects our commitment to sustainable tourism by reducing waste, congestion and pollution, supporting the local businesses and enhancing the natural environment. We also retained out AA 4 Star Guest Accommodation status.
By the time Easter came around our Reception Team and Housekeeping Team had entered their respective Northern Ireland Hotels Federation competitions. The Reception team came runner up in the over 60 bedrooms category while the Housekeeping team won the over 60 bedrooms category beating the Killyhevlin and the Merchant Hotel. This was a fantastic achievement.
For the second year running we were commended in the Northern Ireland Tourist Board annual awards for Serviced Accommodation and we trained all our staff in Welcome Host thus becoming a Welcome Host Gold Employer. Our breakfast room and kitchen were awarded 5 stars in the Fermanagh District Council Food Safe programme.
After the Summer our marketing plan was commended in the Tourism & Hospitality section of the Chartered Institute of Ireland Marketing Excellence Awards. In the inaugural Digital Advertising Northern Ireland awards our online strategy won best in Northern Ireland while one of our viral adverts and our mobile web app received commendations.
This is where the icing on the cake arrives. As if the year had not been fantastic enough already, following a change in NITB classification and certification the Belmore Court & Motel was confirmed as 4 Star Guest Accommodation after a mystery shopper visit in December and we achieved Investors in People - Bronze award.
The IIP awards shows our commitment to oyur staff. They are an integral part of the running of our business. Without good people we wouldn't have a good business. December also seen a milestone with one of our receptionists, Arlene, being employed with me for 10 years and another employee reaching aht 5 year mark. Not bad for a relatively young business.
It's been a great year already and I hope that even in these difficult financial circumstances that we can continue to prosper and grow.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Great Job, you and your team have worked hard this year and it has paid off. Here's to 2012. JK
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