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.

Paul is no stranger to working in the spotlight, as during his 25 years at the Culloden he has worked with a host of celebrity chefs, including Gordon Ramsey, Gary Rhodes and Angela Hartnett, and visited and cooked alongside many of Europe’s leading chefs. The tour is sponsored by Tourism Ireland and the Boston Irish Tourism Association. Tourism Ireland is using the event as an opportunity to build awareness of the wonderful choice of luxury accommodation and food available in Ireland.

Joe Byrne, Executive Vice President, United States and Canada for Tourism Ireland said: “Travellers to Ireland from the United States increasingly note the great food experience and culinary delights of the Emerald Isle.

“We believe that the vacation experience of our visitors is substantially enhanced by excellence in the kitchen. Ireland’s gastronomic reputation has been rejuvenated in recent years, as a distinctive new Irish cuisine has emerged that is based on traditional ingredients handled in new ways – a focal point of which is the abundance of fresh vegetables, meats, poultry, and especially fish available throughout the island of Ireland.”

Issued on behalf of Hastings Hotels Group 11th March 2008

Media Enquiries: Leanne McCarroll at IAS SMARTS on 028 90395500

Dr Hastings, who will be present at the lunch continued: “I know some of these staff members very well and I’m looking forward to recounting with them stories from years gone by. There is always a tale or two I’ve not heard before.

“I’ll be giving each of the long serving workers a personalised letter thanking them for their dedication. We’ll also be rewarding them with a luxury short break away so they can put their feet up and enjoy being pampered for a change.”

The longest serving member of staff, Sammy Walker, who has completed 44 years as maintenance manager at Head Office in Stormont, said: “When someone told me it was 44 years ago when I started working for the Hastings Group I couldn’t believe it. Time seems to fly by so quickly when you’re enjoying yourself and I really have enjoyed working for the company.”

As well as Sammy Walker based at Head Office, there will be seven members of staff at the Culloden Estate and Spa, three at the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, four at the Stormont Hotel, one from The Everglades, one from the Europa and three others from Head Office at Stormont receiving a ‘Long Term Service Award’.

For further information please contact Michael McCrory, Smarts, 028 90395500, Michael.mccrory@smarts.co.uk

“The people of Newcastle have their own memories and connections to the ‘Slieve’, and that’s why we asked them, via the local press, to send us any historical and interesting items linked to the hotel.

“The response was staggering and the fabulous variety of artefacts that we received warranted creating this ‘mini museum’, which can be enjoyed by visitors to the hotel, old and new.”

Items displayed include the original registration card signed by iconic film actor, Charlie Chaplin, who stayed in the hotel in 1921. Legend has it that Mr Chaplin travelled to the Slieve Donard to escape marital problems! The original ‘Bill of Quantities’ is also on display – the handwritten document details the costs involved in the construction of the hotel back in 1896, when it was built as an ‘end of the line’ railway hotel. Unbelievably, the final cost was £111,000 – a mere drop in the ocean by today’s standards!

The Slieve Donard was the setting for the Channel 4 film “Hotel Splendide” several years ago, and there is a range of memorabilia from this production. There is also an excellent collection of wartime Christmas Programmes, Postcards, original brochures from the 1930’s and even a Slieve Donard chamber pot!

For further information please contact Michael McCrory, IAS SMARTS, 028 90395512.

The world famous Tennis stars were amongst the first guests to enjoy the luxurious surroundings of these magnificent new rooms.

The total investment of £3.5 million has added 26 stunning bedrooms to Northern Ireland’s finest hotel, bringing the total complement to 105. The rooms include a mix of beautifully appointed bedrooms, suites and even two opulent duplex suites.

Kem Akkari, General Manager of the Culloden said: “The new wing of bedrooms and suites blend seamlessly to the hotel’s original stonework. We are very proud of what we have achieved and are delighted to be leading the way in bringing world class standards to Northern Ireland.”

The investment also includes a unique private Spa haven ‘The Amethyst Suite’. The first of its kind in Ireland, it was created especially for couples or individuals who wish to enjoy the Culloden’s exclusive ESPA spa treatments together in the privacy and comfort of their suite.

The Spa at the Culloden, one of Northern Ireland’s most luxurious spas and private health clubs, combines eight treatment rooms and two relaxation rooms, with an extensive ‘active’ area including a leisure pool, Jacuzzi, marble steam room and needle shower, and a fitness suite with a cardio theatre entertainment system.

Nightly rates at The Culloden Estate and Spa start from £75per person per night on a B&B basis, based on two sharing – to book call 028 9042 1066 or visit www.hastingshotels.com

For further press information, please contact Michael McCrory on 028 90 395500 / 07816 537762

January 2008…/ The World Famous 4 Star Europa Hotel, Belfast has just announced plans for a dynamic new conference and exhibition centre which is set to open in March of this year. It will be equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology and will offer clients some of the largest conference and exhibition space in Northern Ireland.

A new exhibition centre has been added to the already extensive conference facilities of this city centre hotel, which boasts a grand ballroom, a rooftop banqueting facility with panoramic views over the city, and a 9 syndicate room Eurobusiness centre, It brings an essential new dimension to the Europa’s conference and exhibition offering which is hoped will encourage both local, national and international business tourism.

This new venue will be able to hold exhibitions, shows, meetings, indoor sporting events, wedding fairs and trade fairs. It offers 7,000 sqf/665sqm of floor space which is totally flexible for its varied uses and can hold between 40-50 exhibition stands.

The Exhibition Centre will be self contained, with a separate entrance at ground level as well access from the hotel.

The opening of the new centre hand in hand with the refurbishment of the existing Brasserie Restaurant on the ground floor, into a new open plan restaurant called ‘The Causerie’ will put the hotel in a class of its own.

Now the Europa has a total conference offering with the Grand Ballroom on the first floor that can seat 800 theatre style or 550 for dinner, the Exhibition Centre on the Ground floor, the Eurobusiness Centre comprising 8 breakout rooms for meetings and the Rotunda for private dining for up to 30 people.

The Europa is also set to reclaim its position as the largest hotel in Northern Ireland, with the addition of 35 new bedrooms, bringing the total complement to 275, completing by September 2008 a £7 million extension and refurbishment of this world famous hotel.

Roz Goldsbrough is the Events Manager in the Europa and she will give you more details – contact her on conf2@eur.hastingshotels.com or 028 90 266010.

For further information, please contact either Kathryn Peel Kathryn@grifcopr.com or Alison Wood Alison@grifcopr.com on 020 7385 7090.

As a tribute to the outstanding quality of the hotel finalists HotelClub will be publishing GB and Ireland’s Best Hotel Guidebook in early 2008. The event was co-sponsored by Sunday Times Travel Magazine, Waterstones.com, Ebookers.com, Octupustravel.com and Irishabroad.com among others.

Awards were presented by Ben Fogle (Travel writer and TV presenter) and Holly Brisley (Holly plays Amanda Walters in the popular Australian soap, Home and Away).

Hastings Hotels were thrilled to have a clean sweep in the ‘3 Best Hotels in Northern Ireland’ category with the Culloden Estate & Spa, The Slieve Donard Resort & Spa and the Europa all picking up awards.

The Culloden Estate & Spa also won Best Business Hotel in the UK.

Aileen Martin, Sales Director for Hastings Hotels attended the awards ceremony on behalf of the hotel group and commented ‘I was so proud to be at the awards ceremony in London that night – having won 4 major awards it was a great achievement for Hastings and confirms that we are not only the best hotel group in Northern Ireland but are competing strongly with the best hotels in the UK as can be seen from the top UK business hotel award for the Culloden.’

The Sporty Man

The Culloden is within pitching distance of many Golf courses, the most renowned of which is the Royal Belfast. Founded in 1881, it is Ireland’s oldest golf club. Royal Belfast epitomises all that is great about parkland golf with its large fast greens and gentle, subtly sloping fairways. The course is 6274 yards, and Par: 70, SSS 71. For those of you more interested in rugby – why not catch a local match at Ulster rugby club.

The Culloden also has a state of the art gym withcardiovascular, resistance and free weights equipment. To enhance enjoyment whilst training there is a Cardio Theatre Entertainment System, with a choice of 8 channels to keep the mind occupied while the body exercises. Fully qualified instructors are always on hand to answer any questions about personal training programmes.

Every football fan would be keen to know that the whole of the English Football team has stayed at the Culloden Hotel & Spa. The bar that you are drinking in and even the bed that you are sleeping in may have been the one that your football idol has stayed in and if it is Beckham’s hotel of choice then why not yours?

The Drinking Man

The most notable feature for this type of man is the fact the Culloden has its own pub right on site, The Cultra Inn. Set in the hotels gardens The Cultra Inn has an airy yet relaxing atmosphere and serves traditional pub food. Open from 11am it is the perfect place for a long lunch, to watch the latest sports with friends or for a relaxed drink in the evening.

And if you are heading into the centre of Belfast (only a five minute taxi ride from the hotel), no visit would be complete without a trip around it’s famous and historic pubs. The hospitality of Belfast city and its people is legendary and there’s no better way to enjoy the ‘craic’ and the banter with the locals than over a few Baileys. Pub tours are available, lasting approximately 2 hours and will give you the chance to visit around 6 pubs! If you still have the energy, Belfast has plenty of night clubs in which to dance the night away!

The Relaxed Man

The Spa at Culloden’s new treatment portfolio has been designed specifically with men in mind and features a ‘Mostly for Men’ section. The male treatments offered include hot towels facials, deep sports massages and the unique ‘Celtic Recovery’ treatment, which incorporates a full body massage with a facial.

The Spa at the Culloden is Northern Ireland’s most exclusive E’SPA Spa, combined with a private health and leisure club it provides a sanctuary of sheer indulgence for both body and mind. September 2005 saw the completion of a six month project to upgrade The Spa at the Culloden. Over £1/2 million has been spent on the addition of five treatment rooms, bringing the total to eight, and on extending the refreshment and lounge areas. The Spa at the Culloden is perfect for stressed businessmen or those just wanting to relax, here tension, fatigue and stress will just melt away.

The Ladies Man

The Culloden is the perfect setting for a romantic weekend away long walks in the private grounds, a relaxing spa treatment, shopping in Belfast, all rounded off with a starry eyed candle lit dinner in the hotels exclusive restaurant the Mitre. The great thing is, with a pub showing all the highlights, a golf course close by and a spa that specializes in male treatments it is now possible to score major brownie points with your partner and spoil yourself at the same time.

For further information, please contact either Joanna Cadbury Joanna@grifcopr.com ; Kathryn Peel Kathryn@grifcopr.com, Emily Wilson emily@grifcopr.com or Claire Griffin Claire@grifcopr.com on 020 7385 7090.

Acres of parkland and gardens, endless beaches and lush woodlands are on the doorstep just waiting to be explored. Urbanites will be pleased to hear that it has the added advantage of being a rural retreat which is also close to Belfast’s bustling City centre, offering a number of fun activities for children and adults alike. The Culloden Estate and Spa is Northern Ireland’s most prestigious hotel, offering guests palatial surroundings with stunning views and the highest levels of personal service. The award winning Mitre Restaurant is one of the finest restaurants in Northern Ireland, serving modern Irish Cuisine, but there is also the option for more casual dining in the conservatory and lounge, or at the Estate’s Cultra Inn, where open log fires and a cosy atmosphere provide the ideal setting for a relaxed meal. Rooms are exquisitely decorated and tastefully furnished, many having stunning views over the Estate and Belfast Lough.

It is the ideal place for a family to relax after a day spent enjoying the host of activities on offer in the area.

The Great Outdoors

Children will love to explore the beaches running along the County Antrim coastline as well as the 12 acres of beautiful secluded gardens and woodland in which the Culloden stands. Horse riding and sailing are minutes away, and there are lots of excellent cycling routes from which to really appreciate the natural beauty of the area. For off-shore fun, Belfast boat charters aim to provide ‘fun, thrills, and high speed entertainment’ in the coastal waters of Northern Ireland. For animal lovers, why not visit Belfast Zoo or the Streamvale Open Farm where children have the chance to take part in animal feeding, nature trails and pony rides.

Entertainment

The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum is right on the Culloden’s doorstep, and as one of Ireland’s foremost visitor attractions (and previous Irish Museum of the Year), it is a must-see. Here you will gain a fascinating insight into the life and traditions of people in Northern Ireland, past and present. Perfect for teenagers, the nearby Odyssey Centre in Belfast has an Imax cinema, bowling lanes and an interactive discovery centre which will keep them amused for hours. Also close by is the Dundonald International Ice Bowl, which has an Olympic size ice rink and Pirates Adventure Golf; great for small children. For a real treat why not visit Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory, where sweet-toothed children and adults can watch an array of confectionary being made from hand and of course get the chance to sample a shamrock lolly or two!

Relaxation

When the kids are in bed, where better to relax than at the Culloden’s very own Espa spa, which offers the perfect sanctuary for both body and mind. Guests can choose from a wide selection of reviving, rejuvenating, soothing and relaxing treatments such as Hot Stone Therapy and Indian Head Massage, (there are even specific treatments for the men)! The result is a feeling of calm and wellness – the perfect way to round off the day’s activities.

Nightly rates at The Culloden Estate & Spa start from £55per person per night on a B&B basis – to book call 028 9042 1066 or visit www.hastingshotels.com -ends- For further press information, please contact Grifco on 020 7385 7090 or email Joanna Cadbury Joanna@grifcopr.com, Kathryn Peel Kathryn@grifcopr.com, Emma Powell Emma@grifcopr.com or Claire Griffin Claire@grifcopr.com.

On Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st June, the Opera is being held at the Culloden Estate & Spa. Guests arrive at 7pm for a Laurent Perrier Champagne reception held on the Cumberland Terrace, where guests can enjoy beautiful views of Belfast Lough. The performance in the Stuart Suite commences at 7.45pm. Guests are seated not in rows but “cabaret style” at tables of ten, and the nature of the performance is such that director Michael Hunt ensures that Co-Opera Ireland make full use of the stage and the auditorium during the production.

After the performance guests move through to dine, and this year Culloden’s General Manager, Mr Kem Akkari is offering two dining options. Choose between taking a private dining area in one of the Highland Centre Suites, individually sized to cater for 25 to 50 people or there are tables of ten available for guests in the Cumberland Suite. In both locations there will be an alluring choice of delicious cuisine, from Chef Paul McKnight’s famous Culloden Estate Buffet and fine wines are served throughout the meal.

On Friday 22nd June, whilst the timings remain the same, the venue changes to the Edinburgh Suite at the Europa Hotel, where guests can savour not only the Opera, but also rooftop panoramic views of Belfast’s skyline on the longest day of the year. Centre stage will be “Lobby Lives” own James McGinn to oversee proceedings. The culinary delights will be prepared by Chef Gerry Rosato and enjoyed in the Piano Restaurant.

Prices for this event include invitations and programmes, long stem roses for the ladies, all food, champagne and wines, and of course the Opera and the Buffet Extravaganza.

Prices are £1,400+VAT for a table of ten at Europa on Friday 22nd, and £1,500+VAT for a table of ten at Culloden. Room hire for a Highland Centre Suite is £500+VAT. For further enquiries call Allyson McKimm on 028 9039 3010 or email conf@cull.hastingshotels.com