Colin McGrath MLA say the Slieve Donard Hotel sale shows the appeal of North’s tourism offering
South Down MLA Colin McGrath has said the sale of the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa highlights the appeal of tourism and hospitality product in South Down and the North as a whole.
The South Down MLA said: “The news that the Hastings Hotel Group has finalised the sale of the Slieve Donard to AJ Holdings Partners will be of huge significance to people right across the North.
From the staff who have served the resort so faithfully to its patrons near and far, the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa is known all across the world and is synonymous with Newcastle, the Mournes and the North in general.
“This hotel is in many respects the jewel in our tourism crown. Its sale represents a major indicator of the attractiveness of our tourism and hospitality industry, especially as we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic and our tourism industry returns to full capacity.
“It’s success is a testament to Hastings and the staff who have made it the tourism and hospitality benchmark that it is.
“In 1898 it was completed as an ‘end of the line’ attraction for the railway and now that it is beginning a new chapter. I want to highlight that this is not the end of the line for the resort and staff, but simply the next stage of its development and growth.
“I welcome the news that the hotel itself will continue as a going concern, that the jobs of all staff are secure and that all bookings, including those for functions and weddings, treatments and vouchers will be honoured. As the resort changes hands I would hope it would retain its local character that reflects all that is attractive about our area.”
