Ulster Rally Set to make a Big Splash in Fermanagh...

Launching the Todds Leap Ulster Rally to be held in Fermanagh on 23rd and 24th August are (from left) Lewis Boyd, Clerk of Course; Alex Baird, Chairman Fermanagh District Council; Benny O'Hanlon, Todds Leap, sponsors; Alan Elliott, Chairman NI Motor Club; rally drivers Mervyn Johnston, Gary Jennings and Raymond Johnston and young rising stars Sam Moffett, Jon Armstrong, Timothy Cathcart and Amy Cox. Photo Credit Raymond Humphreys

Immediate Release…Immediate Release

Tuesday 2nd July 2013

2013 Todds Leap Ulster Rally Set to Make a Big Splash in Fermanagh…

A host of sporting stars from track and field, including British Touring Car frontrunner Colin Turkington and Fermanagh GAA manager Peter Canavan joined organisers, local Rally stars and special guests at Enniskillen Castle to launch the 2013 Todds Leap Ulster Rally. The event, which will be based in Fermanagh this year for the first time, will again play host to all the best drivers and cars from across the UK, Ireland and beyond, and an action packed extravaganza is expected by race fans on  23rd and 24th August.

Backed by title sponsor Todds Leap, Fermanagh District Council, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and a number of local businesses, the award winning two day event offers a five race line-up to cater for all the premier British and Irish Rally Championships including the MSA British Rally Championship and BRC Challenge, the Irish Tarmac, MSA British and Irish Historic and the Northern Ireland Rally Championships.

Fermanagh has enjoyed a prominent place in the history of the Ulster Rally, having hosted the traditional Saturday morning breakfast halt during the 1980’s and 1990’s, but this is the first time that the event has been based completely in the Fermanagh Lakelands.

At the Event Launch it was also confirmed that the 2013 Ulster Rally will benefit from significant support from the Fisher Foundation. The Foundation was set up as a permanent memorial to the lives of Mark, Emma and Bertie Fisher who died following an air accident in 2001. Safety in rallying was always of paramount importance to 3 times Ulster Rally winner Bertie Fisher and to this end the Fisher Foundation will assist with the provision of Rally Safety Units and Competitor Tracking during the event.

2012 NITB award winner, Todds Leap, the activity, conference and training centre is once again backing the race as title sponsor and managing director Benny O’Hanlon said,

“Todds Leap is pleased to be sponsoring the Ulster Rally for the sixth consecutive year.  As Northern Ireland's number one activity centre we are totally dedicated and committed to backing regional events which support the tourist trade and the local economy. The Todds Leap Ulster Rally attracts thousands of spectators to Northern Ireland each year and reaches a wider global audience, show casing the region at its sporting best. Todds Leap is looking forward to another successful rally and we wish the organisers, participants and supporters all the best for what will be a thrilling event.”

Ulster Rally Clerk of Course Lewis Boyd paid tribute to the local competitors and key event partners saying,

“It is very satisfying to be in Fermanagh today to launch the 2013 Ulster Rally, especially on the back of a tremendous win for Alistair Fisher and Gordon Noble at the Scottish Rally, taking them to second overall in the British Championship and with local man Gary Jennings leading the Irish Tarmac Championship, it would appear that Co. Fermanagh is the perfect location for this year’s event. This is all made possible with the enthusiastic support of Todds Leap, Fermanagh District Council and the Fisher Foundation and I look forward, with their help, to the safe running of this event on 23rd and 24th August.”

Entries for the event have just opened and the organisers, Northern Ireland Motor Club Ltd anticipate a top line up of local and international competitors including Finland’s Jukka Korhonen, currently leading the MSA British Rally Championship, Alistair Fisher, fresh from winning the Scottish Rally, Omagh man Mark Donnelly as well as other local BRC frontrunners Jonny Greer, Desi Henry, Jon Armstrong and Daniel McKenna.

The Irish Tarmac Championship will be well represented with current Championship leading driver, Kesh’s Garry Jennings, recent Donegal winner Sam Moffitt along with previous Championship winners Darren Gass, Derek McGarrity and a multitude of other WRC cars expected to return to do battle.

The Todds Leap Ulster Rally encompasses 130 competitive miles over 15 stages in the Fermanagh and Tyrone regions. Set to kick off at lunchtime on Friday 23rd August with a ceremonial start in Enniskillen town centre, the rally finishes back in the town centre on Saturday from 4pm.  

New for this year will be the family friendly Modern Tyres Spectator Special stage and other attractions at the St. Angelo Airport complex along with the event’s Central Service Park – all within easy reach of Enniskillen town centre. Rally HQ will be based at the Belmore Court & Motel and the organisers expect 300 drivers and co-drivers, supported by over 600 service crew, to be competing in up to 150 rally cars over the two day period.

For the last number of years the event has attracted over 10,000 spectators, visitors, officials, and competitors from Ireland, the UK and further afield and generated in access of half a million pounds for the local economy each year. It’s also set to be broadcast on local TV, nationally and on global networks reaching 850 homes worldwide. 

Welcoming the events arrival the Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Councillor Alex Baird, commented;

“Fermanagh District Council is delighted to support the 2013 Ulster Rally.  County Fermanagh is internationally renowned for its motorsport heritage and we look forward to welcoming rally drivers, crews, officials and spectators from across Europe to the Fermanagh Lakelands in August. We wish everyone involved a safe and enjoyable rally."

Belmore Court & Motel puts customers first and is awarded WorldHost Recognised Business status

The Belmore Court and Motel in Enniskillen  has become the latest organisation in Northern Ireland to gain national recognition for its commitment to customer service, after being awarded WorldHost Recognised Business status.

Charlotte Wilson along with the Belmore Court & Motel team

WorldHost is a world-class customer service training programme that has already been used to train nearly one million people worldwide, including front-line staff in hospitality, tourism and passenger transport for sporting and cultural events across the UK.

WorldHost Recognised Business status is awarded to businesses that have trained 50% or more of their front line staff using any of the WorldHost training programmes and signed a commitment to delivering excellent customer service. With over 100% of its staff trained to WorldHost standards, Belmore Court and Motel has officially become a WorldHost Recognised Business.

On receiving the recognition, Terry McCartney, Manager commented:  “We are passionate about service standards and are incredibly proud to have achieved WorldHost Recognised Business status. When our customers see the WorldHost logo displayed in our business, they’ll know that we have made a commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for them. Not only does this generate a positive buzz about the service we offer, but it helps to promote Fermanagh as a friendly and welcoming tourist destination. ”

The Belmore Court and Motel offers a variety of accommodation to suit the needs of all travellers, featuring 30 standard bedrooms with mini kitchen with appeals to the guest who prefers the self catering aspect of travelling to Superior and Executive bedrooms for the guest who enjoys luxury these rooms include breakfast.   

Howard Hastings, Mary & Terry McCartney, Arlene Foster, Alan Simpson and Sarah Travers

Last week the Belmore Court and Motel scooped the highly commended award for serviced accommodation at the Northern Ireland Tourist Board awards.   The tourism awards cover a total of 10 categories and three special awards. Over thirty businesses, initiatives and events were awarded for their contribution to tourism at an annual gala ceremony which celebrates and showcases the very best of Northern Ireland's local tourism industry.  There was an extra edge to this year's ceremony as it reflected the successes and achievements of 2012, a massive year for tourism as a result of the ni2012 campaign.

 

Terry McCartney receives the certificate from Alastair McGowan (NITB)

The WorldHost programme is being rolled out in Northern Ireland by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in partnership with sector skills council, People 1st, and the Department for Employment and Learning to help businesses gain a competitive edge and position Northern Ireland as a world-class tourist destination.

Northern Ireland businesses in the hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism industries that employ fewer than 250 employees may be eligible for financial assistance through the Department for Employment and Learning funded package for WorldHost customer service training.

The WorldHost Recognition Certificate is valid for two years and is renewable on completion of a refresher course. In order to preserve the value of the WorldHost Recognition, the programme may be monitored through impromptu mystery shopper visits.

More information about WorldHost training in Northern Ireland can be found at www.worldhostni.com

For more information about Belmore Court and Motel contact Nina Kelly Kleine 028 6632 1974 nina@motel.co.uk

About WorldHost

WorldHost was developed by British Columbia tourism authorities and has a 20-year history. It was used for training nearly 40,000 staff and volunteers in time for the very successful 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

The WorldHost programme is being rolled out in Northern Ireland by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in partnership with sector skills council, People 1st, and the Department for Employment and Learning to help businesses gain a competitive edge and position Northern Ireland as a world-class tourist destination.

WorldHost is designed to become the national standard for customer service training in the hospitality and tourism industry, and with the flexibility to provide solutions across a variety of industries.

www.worldhostni.com

Belmore Court shortlisted in NI Tourism awards for 4th year running

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board is delighted to reveal the shortlist for the 2013 Northern Ireland Tourism Awards, in association with Diageo NI. These coveted awards recognise the outstanding performers in the tourism industry.
The shortlisted finalists in alphabetical order are:

Balloo House
Belfast Zoo
Belmore Court
Chesnetnutt Holiday Parks
Circuit of Ireland Rally
City of Derry Airport
Clandeboye Lodge
Cruise Belfast - Belfast Visitor & Convention Bureau
Dromard House
Dundrum Inn
Fermanagh Self Catering
Fools Haven
Galgorm Resort and Spa
Giants Causeway Visitor Centre
Hillsborough Oyster Festival
Holiday Inn Express Antrim
Merchant Hotel
NW Academy
Portrush Regeneration-The Irish Open Legacy
Rayanne House
Slieve Gullion Forest Adventure Project- Newry & Mourne District Council
Tara Lodge
The Brewer's House
The Irish Open -The European Tour
The Kitchen Bar
The MAC
Titanic Belfast
Vauxhall International North West 200
Walsh's Hotel

A panel of judges shortlisted the entries to 31, and the winners will be announced at a gala ceremony to be held on Thursday 30 May at Belfast's Waterfront Hall. There is an extra edge to the ceremony this year as it will reflect the successes and achievements of the
ni2012 Our Time, Our Place campaign, which is widely acknowledged as having moved tourism in Northern Ireland to a new level in terms of profile, economic impact and self-belief. Commenting on the shortlist, Laura McCorry, NITB Corporate Development Director said: “We are delighted with the calibre of entry for this year’s Northern Ireland Tourism Awards, which are the highlight of the tourism calendar. The awards recognise the hard work and achievements of the people in the industry, and encourage the delivery of quality and excellence for our visitors."This year marks the 35th running of the awards ceremony and in recognising the significance of the
landmark year for tourism the NITB has introduced a new category for Best ni2012 Initiative. "The NITB congratulates all those who have been shortlisted across all of the categories and we encourage everyone in the industry to join us in what will be a wonderful night of rewarding excellence and celebrating achievements.”

There are 11 award categories in total including an Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award, to be conferred at this year's ceremony. Gemma Bell, Corporate Relations, Diageo Northern Ireland said: “Through the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards Diageo is committed to supporting the industry to deliver excellent hospitality as well as innovative events. Both are integral to a thriving tourism industry and the success of the local economy.

"Each year the standard of shortlisted entries continue to rise. In the light of ni2012 this year is no exception. The commitment and passion demonstrated by those working in the industry is highly commendable and very evident in the shortlist again this year.”
Tickets for the event are available from www.nitourismawards.com or telephone 028 90 446292.

Belmore Court is the only Fermanagh winner at the 2012 NITB Tourism Awards

An audience of over 300 members of the local tourism industry played a leading role at Belfast’s Grand Opera House last night as the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards took centre stage.

Leading local acts such as comedians Nuala McKeever and Grimes and McKee, as well as theatrical, street and circus performers all reflecting Northern Ireland’s history, stories and culture were involved in presenting each award from the Opera House stage.

Organised by the NITB in partnership with DiageoNorthern Ireland, the awards cover 11 categories that showcase the very best in local tourism provision.

The Belmore Court and Motel won the Partner Initiative category and Commended in the Serviced Accommodation category.

Speaking at the event, Tourism Minister ArleneFoster said: “Northern Ireland is achieving something tremendously positive as we move through 2012 and into 2013 and beyond.

“We’ve seen substantial investment in infrastructure projects and important private sector-led developments including hotels, restaurants and other services. Over 200 publicly funded projects have leveraged new capital investment of some £300 million.

“I fully recognise that those in the industry have worked extremely hard to forge new, dynamic and prosperous businesses that will benefit the visitor, the industry and ultimately the Northern Ireland economy."

“I congratulate tonight’s winners. They have set the bar high in terms of quality, customer service and the visitor experience they are delivering. I encourage others to follow their lead and make the Northern Ireland tourism industry truly world-class.”

Awards were presented in a variety of categories, including Excellent Events, Taste of Northern Ireland and Best Visitor Experience.

In the Northern Ireland Heroes category, which acknowledges an individual’s involvement and impact on local tourism, the award went to Paula McFetridge, artistic director at multi-award-winning theatre company Kabosh. Paula has created numerous indigenous pieces of theatre celebrating the best of Northern Ireland.

The Lyric Theatre, which has enjoyed a fantastic first year in its new landmark building, received the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award.

Other award winners included the Causeway Lodge on the north Antrim coast, which scooped best Serviced Accommodation, The Dundrum Inn, which won the Taste of Northern Ireland category and Belfast Zoo, which grabbed the award for Marketing and Sales Excellence.

NITB Chairman Howard Hastings said: “The Northern Ireland tourism industry has travelled far over the last number of years, and has much to celebrate.

“Back in 2004 the industry developed a vision for Northern Ireland Tourism that cast our five signature projects in the starring roles. “Following government investment in them, NITB, working with the industry, has put in place a supporting infrastructure that animates ‘destination Northern Ireland’ and which has prepared the tourism product on the ground to deliver a quality experience for the expected increase in visitors.

“We now have a set of world-class tourism products, totally unique to us, which is all being brought to life right now by a fantastic programme of events in the ni2012 Our Time, Our Place campaign.

“The Titanic Festival alone included 120 events and we have much, ,uch more to look forward to.”

Diageo sponsored the awards for the fourth year in a row. Michael McCann, Country Director, Diageo Northern Ireland said: “Diageo Northern Ireland is delighted to support the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards for a fourth consecutive year. This partnership is part of our ongoing commitment to support the development of a vibrant tourism and hospitality sector.

“At Diageo, we are extremely proud of our locally produced brands Guinness, Bushmills, Harp and Baileys. They enrich visitor experiences and are helping to build a lasting legacy of first class hospitality.

“As the expectations of our visitors continue to rise, it is important that we make the most of these opportunities and recognise that we all have a role to play in the continued development of our  tourism industry as a thriving part of a sustainable Northern Ireland economy.”

The full list of winners was as follows.

>> Outstanding Contribution to Tourism

Lyric Theatre

>> Northern Ireland Heroes

Paula McFetridge - Kabosh

>> Best Event/Festival

Belfast Music Week 2011, Belfast City Council Winner
Out to Lunch Arts Festival Highly Commended
St Patrick's Day Event at Slemish, Ballymena Borough Council Commended
The International Seed Federation (ISF) World Seed Congress 2011, Happening Conferences and Events Commended

>> Best Visitor Experience

Todds Leap Winner
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum / National Museums NI Highly Commended

Lyric Theatre Commended

The Jungle Commended

>> Hotel Accommodation

The Merchant Hotel Winner

Beech Hill Country House Hotel Highly Commended
Walsh's Hotel Commended
Roe Park Resort Commended

>> Marketing and Sales Excellence

Belfast Zoological Gardens Winner
Stena Line Highly Commended
Todds Leap Commended

>> Taste of Northern Ireland

The Dundrum Inn Winner
The Lime Tree Restaurant Highly Commended
Pier 36 Commended
The Brewer's House Commended

>> Serviced Accommodation

Causeway Lodge Winner
Rayanne House Highly Commended
Belmore Court and Motel Commended
Newforge House Commended

>> Non-Serviced Accommodation

Brookhall Historical Farm Winner
Victoria Apartments Highly Commended
Ballydougan Pottery Courtyard Cottages Commended
Rossahilly House Commended

>> Visitor Inspired

The Giant’s Causeway Visitor Facility, National Trust Winner
Belfast Zoological Gardens Highly Commended
Lyric Theatre Commended

>> Partner Initiative

Belmore Court and Motel Winner
Food NI Ltd Highly Commended
Patterns of the City - Belfast City Dressing Plan Campaign, Belfast City Council Commended
The Mourne Public Art Programme, Mourne Heritage Trust Commended

>> New Tourism Project
The LegenDerry RoadTrain Winner
Belfast City Bike Tours Highly Commended

What a Christmas Present!

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.

Through the door masterclass in Enniskillen

Enniskillen is the first venue for a Northern Ireland wide series of free networking and master class events called ‘Through the Door’, practical lessons on attracting and retaining customers, organised by People 1st the sector skills council for the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism sector

This breakfast event takes place on Thursday 11th March, from 8.15am to 10.30am in the Westville Hotel, Enniskillen.

Stressing the opportunity the event offers Fermanagh businesses Roisin McKee People 1st said:

“Customers are the lifeblood of our industry and attracting and retaining them is even more crucial in these challenging times. Our aim is that employers will leave these events inspired and enthused and most of all equipped with the right training tools to grow their people and their product. A new tool we’ll be highlighting is the website www.uksp.co.uk which is a one stop shop for employers and employees on funding, jobs, careers and skills.”

Guest speaker at the Enniskillen masterclass will be South Armagh born Hugh Daly known as the serial entrepreneur having bought and sold many successful businesses by the age of 35. He began his business career in South Armagh aged 6 when his father gave him a pig. Humble yet hilarious Hugh Daly is passionate about business and what it takes for individuals and organisations to succeed.

Business and training advisors will be on hand to advise on opportunities, funding and programmes to benefit businesses. Exhibitors at the event will include People 1st, the Department for Employment and Learning, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and South West College.

This event is organised by People 1st with funding support from the Department for Employment and Learning as part of the Future Skills Action Plan for Hospitality and Tourism and is also in partnership with Fermanagh District Council and Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism in support of the Destination Fermanagh Tourism Strategy.


Picture (L-R) Roisin McKee (People 1st), Charlotte (Enniskillen Tourist Information Centre) & Terry McCartney (Belmore Court & Motel)

Minister for Tourism opens the Belmore Court & Motel

01 May 2009

Arlene Foster the Northern Ireland Minister for Tourism officially opened the new Belmore Court building along with Miss Northern Ireland, Judith Wilson and Robert Cully from the NITB

A major £2.5 million development of 30 new bedrooms was launched on Friday 1 May at 2.00pm. Flying in the face of recessionary gloom, Fermanagh-based hotelier Terry McCartney launched the new extension to theBelmore Court & Motel inEnniskillen – the only motel in the province – to a VIP audience including Tourism MinisterArlene Foster MLA; Howard Hastings, Chairman of the NITB; a select group of international tour operators; and current Miss Northern Ireland, Judith Wilson, who is a former receptionist at the motel.

The Belmore Court & Motel has been in operation for nearly twenty years, and was opened by local man, Raymond McCartney, who was inspired to build the motel after his extensive travels in the US.

Carrying the torch of Raymond’s entrepreneurial vision, son Terry has been planning the newly opened extension for four years. The latest development includes a welcome area with reception facility and lounge seating, where guests can check-in leisurely while having access to local tourist information.

Designed to be responsive to changing preferences in the marketplace and increasing consumer expectations, Terry has included a mix of doubles, triples, quad rooms and suites in the new complex. The development includes a mix of both superior and executive rooms, all larger than standard rooms, and fully furnished with extras, such as state-of-the-art flatscreen multi-channel televisions, iPod docking stations and free Wi-Fi.