Select Hotels Reports Record Year in 2012

Select Hotels Reports Record Year in 2012

04 February 2013

At the recent AGM of Ireland's biggest hotel marketing group, Select Hotels of Ireland reported record figures resulting in a 290% growth in group bookings across the 24 member hotels around Ireland. Nearly 90% of the increase in bookings came from the international market, as a result of the increased promotional activity the group undertook, on behalf of its member hotels. 

Also at the AGM, where all member hotels were represented, General Manager of Select Hotels, Una Young, forecasted growth again in 2013.  Not only are over 350,000 additional tourists expected to visit Ireland this year during The Gathering, but Select Hotels has a number of exciting initiatives lined up, focusing on overseas business into Ireland. 

General Manager of Select Hotels, Una Young says, "There has been some negativity in the media and in industry around the Gathering, but so far we are seeing it as a great selling tool for our overseas markets, in particular the UK and USA, that will benefit us this year and in years to come. We also see from our results in 2012 that what we are doing within Select Hotels of Ireland is working, and it is clear that all 24 of our hotels have benefited from being part of the group.  

Una added "There has been so much change in the hospitality sector the past few years, making it more challenging for those in the industry, particularly owner operators, who stand alone.  Now more than ever, independently owned and managed hotels must join forces with similar properties, to promote a traditional Irish welcome to a much bigger market, without losing the hotel's individual identity.  This is working really well for our members and we have a number of enquiries from other hotels at present wishing to join and benefit from the strength in numbers that we offer."

Ireland's biggest group of independently owned and managed hotels, with current members including the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, The Ardilaun Hotel, Galway, the Dingle Skellig Hotel, Kerry, and the most recent member joining in December, the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, Select Hotels is able to promote itself overseas, something that would be cost prohibitive if individual hotels tried to do this on their own. 

Select Hotels is increasing the number of exhibitions they will be attending this year to maximise their markets, including working closely with Tourism Ireland to capitalise on their sales distribution channels. 

Una went on to say "Our main focus this year will be the top four markets; Great Britain, the U.S., France and Germany, which contributes to three quarters of all visitors to Ireland. The Gathering will help us target the U.S and U.K. markets as the Irish diaspora is strong.  According to the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), there will be a 20% increase in capacity on US-Irish air services this summer which is why we have to take these opportunities to really push our members. We are also investing heavily in our digital marketing including a new website.  We recently brought our digital marketing  in-house, providing our expertise on hand which will benefit our individual members."

Select Hotels of Ireland has a collection of 24 hotels throughout Ireland and was established 13 years ago as a marketing platform for independently owned hotels, all with a recognised rich tradition of Irish Hospitality and premium 3 and 4 star establishments. For further information on Select Hotels of Ireland visit www.selecthotels.ie