Jim Murphy - PREM Group’s Managing Director

This is a sneak preview of our new 4 star bedroom that will be rolled out in the Carlton Hotel Antwerp over the next few months .A variation of this room will appear in the new Ramada Plaza Liege (formerly Bedford Hotel Liege) towards the end of this year and also in our new 4 star hotel in Brussels ,details of which will be announced shortly. The room will offer a new luxury bed with pillow top mattress, ipod docking station,flat screen TV with Internet access,wi-fi,workstation desks,safes with power source for recharging laptops,and much much more . A lot of thought and experience has gone into this room ,we love it , what do you think ? Feedback is welcome and if you happen to be in Antwerp ask for Christel and she will be happy to show it to you . In a few weeks we will be inviting our customers to try it out and give us feedback .

Congratulations to Sean O’Keefe and his team at Days Hotel Kilkenny for organising the Teddy Bears Picnic charity event . 

I have to applaud the President of the Irish Hotels Federation for coming out and commenting on the strike action by CIE train drivers . This type of unofficial action  should not be condoned when the traveling public are been  held to ransom . The following is the release from the IHF today .

 The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today slammed the unofficial strike action by CIE drivers stating that it is causing major inconvenience to travellers and threatening the tourism industry on the eve of one of the most important holiday weekends of the year. It called on the parties involved to have the maturity to face up to their responsibilities and to immediately ensure the resumption of full train services while seeking a resolution of the dispute. The general public and businesses nationwide are being seriously inconvenienced and losing valuable business as a result of this ridiculous action. “The irresponsible actions of those involved are having a real damaging impact on the general public and businesses - there has to be a wake up call on the parties involved to immediately resume full services while getting down to resolving the dispute,” says Matthew Ryan, IHF President. According Mr Ryan, this irresponsible action is having a major impact on one of the busiest bank holidays of the year as there is no certainty on potential travel services. “We have already had to endure major disruption over the past week. Cancellations are rife not only in the hotel sector but across concerts and other business events due to people not being able to get to Dublin or down to Cork or Kerry. In particular visitor figures are visibly down in the affected areas on the train routes to Cork and Kerry and Dublin. This weekend is a crucial bank holiday weekend for people wishing to go away and a highlight in the tourism season’s calendar.” The IHF states that is it unbelievable that this issue has been allowed to continue. There is an onus on the State, Irish Rail and the trade unions involved to ensure a reliable transport service and given there is a national emphasis on getting people to consider public transport over private vehicles, it is incredulous that this situation has been allowed to go on. People can only seriously consider opting for public transport when there is certainty of service and a confidence in public transport. “This action is taking place at a time when we are trying to build a regional tourism product against intense competition from other destinations. Such action is very damaging to the industry perception both here and overseas as we try to encourage both domestic and foreign business. The consequences for the livelihoods of those in the industry are very real with jobs now being put at risk in the most affected areas,” says Matthew Ryan. The IHF represents 1,000 hotels and guesthouses nationwide.

• The CSO figures published last week on travel to Ireland, and on Irish travel abroad, during 2007 provide many points of interest.
• There were just over 8 million overseas visits to the Republic of Ireland, an increase of 4% on 2006, and a new record number.  Within that figure however were 422,000 same-day visitors, so the actual number spending more than one day was 7.6 million, also up just over 4% on 2006.
• Continuing a trend of recent years however the average length of stay dropped 4% to 7.3 nights, down from 7.6 nights in 2006.
• By area, there was mixed news, with a drop of 1% in visitor numbers from our largest market the UK at just over 4 million visitors.  Continental Europe powered ahead again by 13.5% to 2.6 million.  The US and Canada also reached record numbers, up 2% to almost 1.1 million visitors.  Visitor numbers from other areas remained static.
• The reason they came is interesting:
  - 15%, or 1.2 million came for business purposes
  - 28%, or 2.2 million came to visit friends and relatives (VFR)
  - 50%, or just over 4 million came for holiday, leisure or recreational activities (HLR)
  - The remaining 7%, over half a million, had some other purpose in mind.  You’d wonder what!
• There was year on year growth of 10% in business travel, 7% in the HLR sector, while the VFR sector actually declined by over 3%.  Over a 5 year period, from 2003, business travel has grown by 42%, VFR by 29% and the HLR sector by a more modest 21%.
• On the revenue side in 2007 it reached €4.9 billion, up 4.5% on the previous year.  (This figure by the way includes fares paid to Irish carriers).  Basically the increase in visitor numbers drove the revenue growth, as the average spend per visitor in current terms was unchanged from 2006.

  While there was a small growth in average spend by British visitors it did not match inflation.  There was a significant decline in the average visitor spend by Europeans (-9%), which can be largely attributed to a shortening length of stay, down from 11.2 nights to 9.6 nights.

  Overall revenue from North Americans was just ahead of 2006 reflecting the slight growth in visitor numbers.  Perhaps surprisingly, given the weakness of the dollar, there was only a small drop in their trip and daily spend.

• Where our overseas visitors stayed is interesting, with hotels continuing to gain share while there was a drop in nights spent in B&B’s and with friends or relatives.
• When it comes to travelling its hard to beat the Irish though.  While overseas visitor spending in Ireland has grown by €1 billion over the past 5 years, spending by the Irish travelling abroad increased by that amount in 2007 alone.  It has increased by €2 billion over the past 5 years.
• The domestic market is vital to the tourism industry, particularly to the carriers who have a growing dependence on Irish business.  Last year over half (53%) of Irish carrier receipts came from the outbound market, whereas just 6 years ago the outbound share was less than 40%.  Receipts accruing to Irish carriers last year from overseas visitors while well up, are less than they were in 2001, perhaps reflecting the low fares regime.
• Much food for thought there, what with oil approaching $130 a barrel, and Goldman Sachs predicting the possibility of it reaching $200.  Were that to happen and be sustained, then low air fares as we knew them would be a thing of the past.  That would not be good news and would present an entirely new set of challenges.

 
Irish Tourist Industry Confederation

Back in 2002 when Ireland was preparing for the introduction of the smoking ban I was President of the Irish Hotels Federation .My presidency was dominated by this issue and negotiations with the Irish Government . In hindsight the right decision was made and the smoking ban has been a resounding success in Ireland. I have been watching the situation in Belgium with interest . A partial smoking ban was introduced in Belgium in 2007 and I believe that the Belgium Government made a big mistake by not introducing a total ban on smoking instead opting for a compromise version . Therefore you had a situation where smoking is allowed in some bars,for example ,and not in others . I read with interest therefore an article from De Nieuwe Gazet newspaper yesterday that the Government are now considering introducing a total ban on smoking in the hotel and restaurant industry .I support this move as the current legislation is confusing for both the industry and customers .My only concern is that this change is not due to come into effect until January 2010 . Why wait so long ,surely if it is the right thing  to do ,this should be done a lot sooner .

 The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today launched its ‘Yes to Europe!’ campaign in support of the Lisbon Treaty to ensure Ireland remains fully engaged with the EU. The Federation’s 1,000 members have joined forces to urge their 60,000 employees throughout the country to vote ‘YES’ in recognition of the tremendous opportunities a strong and efficient Europe offers the hospitality sector. With total tourism revenues increasing to e6.5 billion in 2007, the sector now represents 4% of Ireland’s Gross National Product (GNP).  According to Matthew Ryan, President, IHF, “Ireland has established a tremendous level of goodwill within Europe and has long been regarded as a welcoming country for visitors and overseas workers. The foundation of the Irish tourist brand is our people and our open, friendly and welcoming attitude. From a hospitality and tourism perspective, a resounding ‘yes’ to the Lisbon Treaty will substantiate this reputation in the eyes of the other 26 member states.”             “No industry better represents what EU membership has done for Ireland than the hotels sector. On June 12th, there can be no standing still. We can take a step forward or a step back. We in the Irish Hotels Federation appealing to voters to say yes to a more effective Europe in which a confident and prosperous Ireland plays a full part.”  Mr Ryan, states, “In the last 10 years Ireland has doubled its exports to other EU states (from e44 billion to e87 billion) and in the same period the revenue from mainland European tourists who visited Ireland has almost trebled to e1.6bn. Ireland’s active and positive involvement in the development of the EU continues to be a major attractor of foreign direct investment. It is important that Ireland’s positive support of the development of the EU continues. Anything other than a decisive ‘yes’ in the referendum would undermine the international perception of Ireland as a desirable place to visit and in which to do business.”  As part of the Business Alliance for Europe, the IHF believes the strengthened and reformed institutions arising from the Treaty will allow the EU to achieve greater levels of economic prosperity and to face more effectively the challenges of development and enlargement. By playing a positive role in shaping Europe’s future, Ireland protects its status as a desirable location for both existing and future foreign investment by businesses seeking a foothold in the European market.  

 The first Heart of England International Film festival running from the 9th - 13th June at The Ramada Tamworth Jct 11 has really taken off with over 200 film entrees. The festival is now recognised as the largest independent film festival within the UK beaten off both the Edinburgh and Swansea Independent Film Festivals. The event which includes daily screenings of entrants films will conclude with an awards gala dinner and ceremony on Friday 13th June. With just over four weeks remaining until the Gala Awards the dinner has now sold out to both Sponsors and Nominees. The hotel will welcome guests from as far a field as Russia and Canada for what should be an eventful week. 

Liverpool’s Capital of Culture year is now in full swing and the city is buzzing with events been held on a daily basis throughout the city . PREM Groups new Premier Apartments opened towards the end of last year and these 4 star apartments are the ideal base for any one traveling to Liverpool this year .The photo at the top of this BLOG is a sitting room of one of our Premier Apartments in Liverpool . One of the highlights of the year will be SirPaul McCarthys concert in Anfield on the 1st June .The following is a brief list of whats on . You can book your Premier Apartment at www.premierapartments.com .

MAYTate Liverpool’s 20th birthdayOne of the country’s most visited galleries of modern and contemporary art celebrates 20 years at the Albert Dock.The Liverpool SoundWaterfrontOnce-in-a-lifetime concert featuring world-famous artists, playing the music that Liverpool exported to the world.Gustav Klimt: Painting, Design and Modern Life in Vienna 1900Tate Liverpool, Albert DockThe UK’s first comprehensive exhibition of the work of Gustav Klimt.Three SistersThe Everyman, Hope StreetTracey-Ann Oberman and Liverpool writer Diane Samuels adapt Chekhov’s Three Sisters, relocating it from Russia to the Liverpool Jewish community of 1948.Writing on the Wall FestivalCity wideAn annual literature festival that celebrates writing, diversity, tolerance, story telling and humour through controversy, inquiry and debate.Poetry in the CityJUNEBenjamin Britten’s War RequiemLiverpool CathedralMajor collaboration between Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, Liverpool Cathedral and Choir, and Choirs of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and Cologne Cathedral, culminating in performances in Liverpool and Cologne.Opening of The University of Liverpool Victoria Gallery and MuseumAfter a £7.5 million restoration the University of Liverpool’s famous ‘redbrick’ Victoria Buildingwill be transformed into an art gallery and museum, displaying art and artefacts acquired during the University’s 116 year history. Established in 1892, the iconic building inspired the term ‘redbrick university’.New play by Jonathan HarveyThe Playhouse, Williamson SquareAn epic new play by Jonathan Harvey exploring the gay experience through three generations of a Liverpool family.The People’s FestivalLoveliverpool have been commissioned to host The People’s Festival, a weekend celebration of football, fashion and music with a special focus on the role of the voluntary sector. The festival climaxes with a specially commissioned work by composer Michael Nyman which explores European Football Culture, including images of the greatest moments selected by fans across Europe, with music that Nyman wrote as a memorial to Hillsborough as well as a piece called Extra Time for a fashion catwalk show featuring ‘WAGs’.AfricaOyeSefton ParkFree annual festival celebrating the very best of the music of Africa, the Caribbean and the Americas, including collaborations with Liverpool’s African community. www.africaoye.comLiverpool International Tennis TournamentCalderstones ParkDubbed the Wimbledon of the North, the annual Calderstones Park tournament is the largest exhibition event in Europe.SplatterfestUnity TheatreFestival of theatre for children.JULYLiverpool Arabic Arts FestivalBluecoat and other venuesThe UK’s only Arabic arts festival celebrating local and international Arabic culture comes back to Bluecoat Arts Centre with an exhibition of contemporary art from the Middle Eastwith Open Eye Gallery as well as music, dance, literature, theatre and food. The festival will also include the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in two separate collaborative concerts with Lebanese composer and oud (Arabic lute) player Marcel Khalife and Palestinian singer/songwriter Amal Murkus at the Philharmonic Hall.Classical Summer PopsSefton ParkA fresh take on the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s hugely popular Big Top Summer Pops, relocates to the picturesque setting of Sefton Park, in the shadow of the beautiful Palm House.Summer PopsSince 2001 the Summer Pops has been a key feature of the European summer music calendar, playing host to some of the greatest names in music, including Elton John, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon.The Open Golf ChampionshipRoyal BirkdaleThe world’s top players flock to Merseyside for the second time in three years for the Open Golf Championship.Liverpool Comedy FestivalHUBOtterspool PromenadeThe UK’s biggest free urban culture festival; bringing music, street art and extreme sports to a unique river-side park.Brouhaha International Street FestivalCity wide(July & August) Brings together more than 20 arts, music and dance companies from around the world, climaxing in a carnival parade through the city’s streets.Children and families programmeSix-week festival centred around the cultural quarter of William Brown Street.The Beat Goes OnWorld Museum LiverpoolMulti-sensory exhibition celebrating Liverpool as the capital of pop and rock. The exhibition explores Liverpool’s popular music heritage from 1945 to the present, looking at the impact of Liverpool’s music on Britain and the rest of the World.Maritime Festival - including the return of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and the start of the Tall Ships RacesLiverpool will celebrate its nautical roots with a maritime festival, encompassing the homecoming of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and the spectacular start of the Tall Ships Races - expected to attract a million spectators to the banks of the River Mersey.Pipilotti Rist - film premiereFACT, Wood StreetWorld premiere of Rist’s first-ever feature film Pepperminta comes up - starring a female super hero for the modern era; her mission is to prevent humanity from the perils of total normality and complete conformity! Rist will also launch a new commission in the galleries alongside a favourite work that has won her copious awards and international acclaim.——————————————————————————–AUGUSTWorld Firefighter GamesUp to 5,000 international Fire Fighters and their families arrive in Liverpoolto participate in more than 60 individual events at venues across Merseyside. www.worldfirefightersgames.com.Major Theatrical eventAnglican CathedralMajor theatrical event at the Anglican Cathedral. An Everyman and Playhouse production.Black Star LinerJamaica StreetLiverpool’s first dedicated home for black music. The launch will herald a month-long festival around its Jamaica Street base, including a block party and carnival, celebrating Liverpool’s Caribbeancommunity. A Loveliverpool project.Mathew Street Music FestivalCity centreLegendary August Bank Holiday music festival, which annually attracts more than 350,000 revellers to multiple music stages across Liverpool city centre.CreamfieldsHaltonMuch-loved outdoor dance festival.SEPTEMBERSir Simon Rattle conducts the Berlin PhilharmonicPhilharmonic Hall(04/09/08) The city-born classical music superstar returns to his home-town with the orchestra with which he is Chief Conductor and Artistic Director. One of only two UK dates.British Association Festival of ScienceThe Big BiennialLiverpool’s fifth International Festival of Contemporary Art. Dubbed ‘the Big Biennial’, the 2008 festival will feature even more new commissions and will include the 50th anniversary of the John Moores exhibition of contemporary painting at the Walker Art Gallery.Liverpool Live 2008Bluecoat and city centre locationsBluecoat will organise an extensive live art programme, Liverpool Live, during the Biennial both at Bluecoat and across the city. Launched by a high profile public event, Liverpool Live will comprise interventions, indoor performances, film screenings and more by some of the leading UK and international artists working in their field.Vasily Petrenko opens the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra 08/09 season.Philharmonic HallVasily Petrenko’s third season as Principal Conductor. The RLPO’s 08/09 season includes more premieres of works commissioned for 2008 from many of today’s leading composers.Festival of British MusicPart 2Philharmonic HallHonda F4 Powerboat LiverpoolGrand PrixWaterfrontThe UK’s fastest offshore powerboat championships.Hope Street FestivalHope StreetMusic, film, dance, theatre, poetry, talks and tours, plus a Farmers’ Market and food and wine at venues and local restaurants showcase the vibrancy and creativity around the City’s designated ‘cultural quarter’.Fiesta LatinaCity wideA week of Latino music and dance.Finale of the Tour of BritainBritain’s leading professional cycling race reaches a nail-biting climax in Liverpool city centre. This will be the first time the tour has finished outside of London. www.tourofbritain.co.uk.——————————————————————————–OCTOBERSir Simon Rattle conducts the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic OrchestraPhilharmonic HallClassical music superstar and one of the Liverpool Phil’s ‘Artists Laureate 2008′ (with Vladimir Ashkenazy) returns to the concert hall where he began his music career. Includes premiere of a new composition by Australian Brett Dean, of whose work Simon Rattle is one of the leading interpreters.RIBA Stirling PrizeArena and Convention Centre LiverpoolThe Oscars of British Architecture. The RIBA Stirling Prize for Architecture - broadcast live on Channel 4 from the newly opened Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool, on October 11.Eric’s -The MusicalThe Everyman, Hope StreetNew musical production that tells the witty and inspirational tale of the small Mathew Street underground club that sparked a cultural revolution. By Mark Davies in collaboration with Pete Wylie.Liverpool Irish FestivalVarious Liverpool venuesCelebration of Irish culture.Black History MonthVarious Liverpool venuesHalloween Lantern CarnivalSefton ParkSpell-binding procession of unique, beautifully crafted hand-held lanterns through one of Liverpool’s most beautiful parks.NOVEMBERShipping LinesUniversity of LiverpoolLiterary festival featuring Seamus Heaney, Jorie Graham, Doris Lessing, Monica Ali, Roger McGough, Melvyn Bragg, Philip Pullman, and Paul Farley. The festival will include readings and poetry recitals as wellas ‘in conversation’ events and workshops.DadafestVarious north west venuesThe largest celebration of disability and deaf art in the north west, bringing together internationally acclaimed artists and home-grown talent.HomotopiaVarious Liverpool venuesGay, lesbian and transgender festival presenting theatre, dance, music, cabaret, club nights, art, film and talkfests.Liverpool Music WeekCity centre venuesThe best of up-and-coming, signed and unsigned bands perform in venues across the city centre. For more information go to www.liverpool08.com

Our Irish hotels have recently become part of the Wyndham Worldwide loyalty programme, which allows our guests to earn airline miles or Wyndham rewards points for car rentals and shopping vouchers for a host of Irish stores including Brown Thomas, Debenhams and Starbucks. However, the best rewards I believe, are the opportunities to get free night stays at any of the 4,000 Days Inns worldwide. They have some great locations, popular with the Irish leisure guest including New York, Florida and San Fransisco.Click on the following video to see what Days Inns have to offer in America.

You can treat your family to a great (cost effective) holiday as payback for all those nights you’ve been away travelling on business.

Guests can join at www.wyndhamrewards.com/ie

Days Hotel Dublin Airport has just launched a new car parking service at Santry Cross near Dublin Airport . 

Secure car parking is available for hotel residents and non residents who wish to leave their car while travelling abroad.  The rate per day is €6 which includes the use of our courtesy coach to and from Dublin airport.

To avail of a pick up service from the airport please dial extension 120 from the courtsey phone in the arrivals hall (to the right as you enter from baggage re-claim) and make your way to courtesy coach area zone 2 - the bus will then collect you within 15 minutes.

The Hotel also offers very compettive overnight rates .To make a booking and to secure  our best rate guarantee you can visit the hotels website at www.dayshoteldublinairport.com .

Please note that the courtesy coach operates from 4am - 9.45pm daily.