Minister welcomes opening of hotels
Friday November 06 2009
Belfast's growing reputation as a must-see tourist destination has been further reinforced with the opening of two new hotels.
The Ibis chain outlets in the city centre and near Queen's University represent a £12 million boost to the hospitality industry and will provide 174 beds and create 50 jobs.
While the budget accommodation will carry the international chain's brand name, it will be managed by successful local hotelier Lord Diljit Rana as part of his Andras House group.
The deal represents the first time Ibis have franchised outlets in the UK.
Ibis Belfast City Centre is located on the corner of Castle Street and King Street with Ibis Queen's Quarter situated in University Street.
They were officially opened for business by Tourism minister Arlene Foster.
Lord Rana, who runs Belfast's Ramada Hotel, Days Hotel and Express by Holiday Inn, said Ibis's decision to let him open franchises in the city was proof of the growing confidence in Belfast.
"It is symbolic of their trust in the Northern Ireland tourism product and in the quality of service they know will be delivered to our high standards locally," he said.
Jean-Jacques Dessors, chief operating officer for Ibis's parent company Accor Hospitality UK and Ireland, said: "Andras House's design team worked with local architects and suppliers during this development to produce two hotels of exceptionally high quality.
"Expansion into Northern Ireland represents a significant move towards our goal of becoming the reference point for economy hotels with quality services at very attractive prices."
