Dalata Hotel Group, Ireland’s largest hotel operator, has announced its first hotel in Northern Ireland on completion of a new management agreement to operate the Park Plaza Hotel at Belfast International Airport. The 106-bedroom hotel has been re-branded to Maldron Hotel Belfast, joining the existing portfolio of 11 Maldron Hotels in the Group.
“We are very pleased to be take up this opportunity,” said Stephen McNally, Deputy Chief Executive. “Although this will be the first Northern Irish hotel for our Group, Pat McCann our Chief Executive and I were part of the original team who opened Jurys Inn Belfast, so we are very familiar with the location and market. The re-branding of the Park Plaza Belfast fits in with our overall expansion strategy for the Group.
“Our group brings an extensive wealth of experience to the hotel and we will enable the existing staff to enhance the service offered to our guests. Not only will we protect the existing business, but it will also be considerably boosted by deploying our well-developed Dalata and Maldron distribution and sales channels and national and international marketing campaigns.”
Karina Dunne, Group Marketing & Sales Manager, added: “We look forward to becoming part of the Northern Ireland business and tourism community and to working with the local tourism and development organisations in attracting new business to the Province.”
Belfast International Airport Managing Director John Doran said: “In this our 50th anniversary year we are delighted to welcome a new partner to the airport. I am sure Maldron will enhance our offering to travellers and further underline the airport’s major contribution to the Northern Ireland economy.”
Dalata Hotel Group currently operates 28 3-star, 4-star and 5-star hotels in Ireland and Cardiff, Wales, with over 4,500 bedrooms and 2,500 employees. The Group comprises 12 Maldron Hotels and 16 Partner Hotels.
