Going for Gold . . .

The Belmore Court and Motel has achieved Gold status from Green Tourism, a body recognised by the UK and regional governments as being a crucial part of its drive towards sustainability.

Those who achieve Gold Status are classed as being 'Inspirational/Outstanding'. Establishments achieving Gold are cited by Green Tourism as achieving the highest standards of sustainability with a "strong and broad ethos and excellent examples throughout." Businesses who achieve this will employ the latest technologies, from LED lighting to efficient boilers and renewable technologies. The business will have an efficient control over their resource use and will demonstrate effective monitoring with targets set for savings. They believe "Green procurement will include sustainable meat/fish sources, a range of ethical products and working with local suppliers to provide fresh, local and even organic items." Green Tourism feel that changes implemented should lead to significant benefits to the business, community and supply chain.

Belmore Court and Motel have undertaken several actions to fulfil their commitment to sustainability. These include:

·        Complying with requirements of environmental legislation and approved codes of practice.

·        Continuously seeking to improve environmental and social performance.

·        To reduce pollution, emissions and waste.

·        To reduce the use of energy, water and other resources.

·        To raise awareness, encourage participation and train employees in sustainable business practice.

·        We expect similar environmental standards from all suppliers and contractors.

·        Assisting customers to use products and services in an environmentally sensitive way.

·        Liaising with the local community.

·        Minimising our risks associated with social and environmental issues.

·        Joining the Green Tourism Business scheme as an indicator of our sustainable practices.

·        Responsible visitor charters have been placed in every room, with seven steps indicating how guests can help reduce their impact on the environment whilst staying at the Belmore Court and Motel.

·        Practical steps taken include recycling, minimising paper use, choosing phosphate free cleaning products, using local suppliers where possible, water conservation, sensible lighting and fuel use, no PCs or TVs left on standby.

·        Creating an updated charge point for electric vehicles in the Belmore Court and Motel's car park.

·        Working with suppliers to minimise packaging.

·        Introducing more fair trade products.

·        Promoting cycle hire from Lakeland Bikes for £25 per day.

The Belmore Court and Motel is one of eighteen establishments offering a Green Tourism experience in Northern Ireland and one of only three to achieve Gold status!

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

NI Eurofans visit Enniskillen

With the support of EU PEACE III funding, the NI Eurofan’s team participated in a residential in Enniskillen over the weekend.

The team, made up of local football fans, will be heading to Ukraine in June to participate in the Eurofan’s Football Tournament, as well as volunteering their time to visit and support a local orphanage bringing much needed aid.
During their weekend residential, the team participated in ‘Football for All’ workshops delivered by Michael Boyd and Claire Adams, looking at the project, the resources available, and their role as FFA Ambassadors. The team are also developing a NI Eurofan’s Charter with the support of FFA, which will outline their role on the team as well as a code of conduct. There was chance for some team building and communications work during activities at the Share Centre, which encouraged the team to work together off the pitch as well as on it.
John Bell, from the Institute of Conflict Research, held a focus group with the team as part of the research for a new Football For All Fan’s Strategy being developed in association with NI football fans. This gave participants a chance to share their opinions and views of football culture in Northern Ireland in a safe and productive environment, assisting in the contribution to the strategy.
Michael Boyd, Head of Community Relations at the IFA said, “Football For All is all about listening to Fans and engaging with Fans on meaningful projects which make a difference. We are proud to support the NI Euro Fans team and thank them for their support promoting the Football For All message of respect for diversity”.
Fans who participated in the FFA residential added:
- “The activities were very good at helping with communication and got everyone in the group working together”
- “We needed to have good team building activities before Ukraine – this helped a lot”
- “It made me think more about things before I act on them”
- “Great for making people work as a team off the pitch as well as on it”
If you would like more information about this group or their trip to Ukraine, please get in touch with Claire Adams – 028 90688425.
This project has been supported by the EU PEACE III programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body – www.seupb.eu

http://www.irishfa.com/news/item/8313/northern-ireland-eurofans-team/
 

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

Belmore Court & Motel wins best Online Strategy

Last Friday night Mary and I attended the inaugural Digital Advertising Northern Ireland (DANI) awards in the Hilton Hotel, Belfast. We had been nominated in 3 different categories; Best Viral, Best Mobile App & Best Online Strategy.

Almost 200 people filled the function room at the awards and we were seated at a table along with Todds Leap and Creative Media. I think we were the only table West of the Bann.

The judges included;  Left to right Maurice Mulvenna, Professor of Computer Sciences at University of Ulster; Katrina Doran, Editor of Sugahfix.com; (back) Director Repknight Online Reputation Management, Ruan O'Tiarnaigh, Jill Culbertson, Co-Founder Navajo Talk; John Reid, Managing Director The Gurus Network and (centre- front) Naomh McElhatton, Managing Director Digital Advertising Northern Ireland.

After a great meal and a bit of craic Nuala McKeever took to the stage and managed to slag off most of the people in the room and tell some great jokes. Nuala then proceeded to announce the shorlisted companies. Anticipation filled the air while the noise from the audience decreased.

In our first nomination our Viral advert for the Best Viral featuring my 8 year old son, Lewis, doing a video tour of the Belmore Court & Motel was up against the Belfast Giants singing "All I want for Christmas" and Derry's Ledgendary Campaign. The Giants won and it was hard to complain because Mariah Carey tweeted about it and Sky Sports even featured it. We did achieve Highly Commended status.

The next award we were shortlisted for pitted us against lookaly and another company but it was always gonna be hard to beat the local Lookaly company. there service really is great. Once again we were awards Highly Commended.

At this stage we thought we were going to be the perenial bridesmaids. Our last nomination was for the best Online Strategy. This award reflected the best overall strategy incorporating pay per click, social media, Search engine Optimisation, etc.

I waited nervously on stage with the CIM Ireland and Alzheimers Society while the winner was announced. Finally our name was announced as winner and I was really shocked and just stood there with my Mickey Mouse hands in the air (that's another story).

The judges said "This best overall strategy has been given to a company that has engaged with all the online elements – including continuous developmenf of their website, SEO, PPC, Facebook, YouTube, Ecommerce, online advertising and PR … Showing a clear return on investment making a massive £10 for every £1 spent … direct website revenue now accounts for 40% of overall revenues and they’re listed no.1 on Google."

On collecting the award I was asked for the oppotunity to speak through the microphone. Taking advantage of this I thanked all the team at the Belmore Court & Motel, Bookassist Ireland and my wife Mary. I also thanked Naomh McElhatton for having the courage to organise these types of awards; it really is just the right time for them to happen.

The night went on into the early hours in the morning. As usual it was great to meet old friends and make new ones. Really pleased to meet Grannine Maher and her husband and catching up with Niall McKeown from ION. 

 

We retired to our suite (perk of the hotel industry) and slept well after a very statisfactory night. Spent the next day shopping in Ikea with a sore head. Looking forward to next year already.

It really was an honour to win this award and it was great that Bookassist Ireland were able to help me throughout the years and with the application forms. I look forward to continued success with them in the future.

The DANI Awards 2011 Winners

Best B2B Campaign: Equality Commission (iON)

Best B2C Campaign: Treat Ticket

Best Viral Campaign: Belfast Giants

Best Social Media (SME): Boojum (Mammoth)

Best Social Media (Corporate): Cool FM

Best Mobile App Campaign: Lookaly

Best Web Design: Todds Leap (Creative Media)

Best Online Strategy: Belmore Court & Motel

Business Person of the Year: Russell Moore

Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/business-news/in-pictures-northern-ireland-digital-advertising-awards-night-16077589.html#ixzz1eHSmDLar

Guaranteed a Great Reception

The 2011 Hotel and Guesthouse Receptionist of the year brought further success for the Belmore Court & Motel who were runners up it the Team Category. The property recently was awarded the title of the Best Housekeeping Team in the over 60 bedroom category has gone from strength to strength since its undergoing major development in 2010. Terry McCartney, Owner of the property said “Our aim is to provide excellent facilities and services at reasonable prices to all customers and becoming runner up in the category show that we are well on the way to achieving this goal. I’d like to thank all the team at the Belmore Court & Motel who have worked hard over the last couple of years to make the accommodation a great place to stay and work. ”

The competition is in its eighth year and had a record 95 entries this year from hotels across Northern Ireland. The event is run by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation and its President, Eugene McKeever said, “There is no doubt in my mind that reception staff have a unique role to play in the operation of a successful hotel. They are our eyes and ears providing the main point of contact for guests. A smiling face at reception and a pleasant greeting over the phone is what makes customers want to come back. As the industry body, the NIHF is delighted to be able to recognise the important role that receptionists have in the hotel sector.”

Industry partners, Coca-Cola HBC NI, Avvio and the Northern Ireland Tourist board, support the competition. Eugene McKeever highlighted the importance of these partnerships saying, “the hotel industry is all about teamwork and without a great team of sponsors we would not be able to stage competitions like this. We are indebted to all those who have helped us with the competition and thank them for their commitment to the industry.”

Pete Snodden, Cool FM DJ, compered proceedings at the awards dinner, which was held in the Holiday Inn Belfast on Thursday 14th April. Sponsors, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Coca-Cola HBC NI and Avvio joined with hundreds of hotel receptionists and their managers for a night of celebration.

Winners 2011

Hotel & Guesthouse Receptionist of the Year sponsored by Appletiser

Winner: Elaine Harkin, City Hotel Derry, age 38

Runner-up: Rachael Kaye Crossey, Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast, age 22

3rd Place: Kieva Jewell, City Hotel Derry, age 22

Most Promising Hotel & Guesthouse Receptionist of the Year sponsored by Avvio

Winner: Sarah Brown, Strangford Arms Hotel, Newtownards, age 27

Recognising those in the role for less than one year.

Hotel & Guesthouse Reception of the Year sponsored by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board

Winner: Radisson Blu Roe Park Resort, Limavady

2nd Place: Belmore Court & Motel, Enniskillen

Recognising the achievements of the whole reception team.

Other Finalists 2011

Hotel & Guesthouse Receptionist of the Year sponsored by Appletiser

Orla Lee, Galgorm Resort & Spa, age 27

Gail Lindsay, Holiday Inn Express Antrim, age 23

Martina O'Hare, Malone Lodge Hotel & Apartments, age 23

Melanie Peachy, Bushmills Inn Hotel, age 30

Adriana Szczodrowska, Park Inn By Radisson, age 25

Anna Toriola, Benedicts Hotel Belfast, age 29

Most Promising Hotel & Guesthouse Receptionist of the Year sponsored by Avvio

Paul Andrews, Hilton Belfast, age 23

Leanne Kerr, Everglades Hotel, age 22

Jarmila Slugocka, Jurys Inn Belfast, age 24

Hotel & Guesthouse Reception of the Year sponsored by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board

Bushmills Inn Hotel

City Hotel Derry

Radisson Blu Hotel Belfast

Stormont Hotel

Tara Lodge

Background

The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation successfully re-launched the competition in 2004. The event has been very well received within the sector and currently recognises excellence in three distinct categories.

The competition aims to recognise the attributes and skills of the reception function and has been reinstated after consultation with the sector and keen interest from the hotel trade. The competition also seeks to recognise international standards and competitiveness within the hospitality sector.

This award previously ran for over 20 years and was recognised as a leading accolade within the hospitality sector. The last eight years have seen the award receive significant attention from the public, press and industry including applications from over 95 hopeful contestants.

More Information

For further information please contact Janice Gault, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Hotels Federation:

Tel: 028 9077 6635 Mobile: 07799711960 Email: janice@nihf.co.uk