Dr. Billy Hastings, charismatic owner and chairman of Hastings Hotels, has received the ultimate honour of a Knighthood from the Queen for his services to tourism and charity in Northern Ireland.
Sir William Hastings commented, ‘I am truly overwhelmed at the enormous honour bestowed on me by the Queen. My wife of 50 years who has always supported me will also receive the title she deserves in becoming Lady Hastings! A very suitable title for Joy in my opinion!
I have always been involved in promoting tourism to Northern Ireland from the Cliffs of Moher, the Killarney Lakes to the Mountains of Mourne and the Giant’s Causeway. I am also passionate about the restoration of the beautiful Downpatrick Cathedral. I hope our work there will greatly enhance the area. In my humble opinion it is the most wonderful tourist destination in the world. All of this coupled with the natural warmth and kindness of the locals makes the country a very special destination which is becoming globally recognised and appreciated. Northern Ireland has emerged over the last 60 years from a manufacturing base to a tourism mecca!”
Sir William continued, “My charity involvements over the years have mainly been to support the voluntary services and assisting charities such as Polio Plus, Men Against Cancer, Chest Heart and Stroke and Help the Aged among others. Finally I am grateful to my family, friends, employees and business colleagues. I know that they will share my pleasure at this very special time.”
Sir William Hastings’ daughter Julie commented on behalf of the Hastings family “We are thrilled for Dad and delighted that at 80 years of age he still has plenty of energy and indeed the great desire to continue to support tourism to Northern Ireland and help his favoured charities. We all feel that this honour and recognition goes to someone fully deserved and let’s hope that it benefits all the causes that he has championed over the years.”
For further press information, please contact GRIFCO PR. Alison Wood Alison@grifcopr.com, Kathryn Peel Kathryn@grifcopr.com or Claire Griffin Claire@grifcopr.com 020 7385 7090.
