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Cian Landers, who took the helm at the landmark property in 2012, told LCN: “Tourism has been severely impacted by the Covid-19 crisis, but I am confident that we can and will eventually recover.

“While travel restrictions are beginning to ease in parts of the world, it could still take two to three years for hospitality to regain its former strength. I really look forward to that.”

Cian, who has seen The Fitzwilliam awarded five-star accreditation by Tourism NI in 2017 and win the AA Hotel of the Year Award for Northern Ireland 2019 – 2020, told LCN the remainder of this year looks positive in terms of sustainable trade “which has continued to come from our local leisure markets”.

He added: “We continually review our target audience, and we know who is staying with us and where they have come from.

“The domestic market represents our best prospect in the short-term future, so it makes commercial sense for us to focus on these markets over the coming months.”

‘A variable career option’

Meath native Cian, who started his hospitality career as a chef, also warned that the industry needed to react to how the twin challenges of Covid and Brexit have helped create a recruitment crisis.

“The combination of both has depleted the labour pool and caused shortages across all areas of the business,” he told LCN.

“In terms of attracting new people, I think from the very early stages we need to put hospitality in front of people as a long-term career option, not just a temporary job (while studying or travelling).

“By showcasing all the different areas you can work and move around in within hospitality, we may also help people to see it as an exciting and variable career option.

“It’s no secret that working in hospitality is hard work with long hours, but we need to show all the opportunities and stepping stones that are available.

“It is also so important to provide a positive and supportive working environment and ensure that people have the right support, guidance, and on-going training and development.

Read the full interview with Cian Landers in the upcoming edition of Licensed & Catering news and check out our library here >>> https://lcnonline.co.uk/digital-magazine-library/  

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There has been a full renovation and redevelopment of the kitchen including layout and all new equipment and the Drawing Room has been redesigned. The final stage is due to be completed in September when 16 of the luxurious bedrooms will be upgraded.

Michael Weston, General Manager of the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa said: “We are dedicated to ensuring all our guests have the very best experience and that our service exceeds their expectations. As part of this, we continue to invest in the Resort while honouring the building’s legacy as one of Ireland’s most majestic hotels.

The £1.1M renovation programme has included a brand-new kitchen which will allow our chefs to build on our dedication to local provenance and develop our offering in-line with the growing market for food tourism. We are very passionate about food and have just launched our new seasonal menus in all of the hotel’s dining options. As part of the kitchen investment, we have also modernised our team member areas to ensure a harmonious working environment and a nice space for them to relax during their breaks.”

“Also included in the investment programme are 16 of our luxurious bedrooms, the Lighthouse Lounge and the Drawing Room as we strive to ensure our guests receive a first-class service every time.

“It’s been a busy 12 months with a 10 per cent growth in our overall business across the Resort and we are currently enjoying a very busy summer period with excellent forecasted bookings for the remainder of the year. We are confident that the award-winning Slieve Donard Resort & Spa will continue to be a major draw for the local tourism industry and this investment will allow us to facilitate the growing markets of leisure and business visitors while providing the very best of the famous Northern Ireland hospitality,” Michael concluded.

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The new hotel, which is bring proposed by developer Alan Wilton’s firm, Comtec Developments, will span three storeys and includes a ground floor café, bar and restaurant for residents within the lobby area.

A total of 4,692 signatures were collected on a petition opposing the hotel and office development. Signatories said they were concerned on a number of fronts, including the inclusion of a cinema – which has since been removed from the plans – as well as fears around road safety and traffic congestion.

Mr Wilton has said that up to 200 people could be employed in the construction phase of the project and that there will be around 280 permanent jobs once the complex is completed. He also told Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council that the property would garner them around £230,000 in rates per annum.

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