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Kerry’s status as a leading tourism destination was confirmed at the prestigious CIE Tours International Annual Awards of Excellence which took place in Dublin’s City Hall this week.

Now in its 29th year, the annual awards of excellence recognise the best hotels and attractions across Ireland and are based on feedback from over 32,000 customers throughout the year.

In total 77 hotels and tourist attractions won awards, with 13 overall category winners being awarded a Gold Award.

Cahernane House Hotel is celebrating after being awarded A Gold Excellence Award and the status of ‘Best 4 Star Hotel’ in Ireland; Killeen House Hotel won the Special Dinner Feature category while Killarney Horse & Carriage Tours won the Best Tour Feature category.

In addition, merit awards were presented to nine hotels and three tourism destinations in the Kingdom. Hotel Merit Award winners included; Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa, Great Southern Killarney, Killarney Avenue Hotel, The Brehon, Killarney Plaza Hotel, International Hotel Killarney, Dingle Skellig Hotel, Killarney Towers Hotel and the Europe Hotel Killarney.

Muckross House and Gardens, John B Keane’s Pub in Listowel, Tangney Tours Jaunting Cars, Killarney, also received Merit Awards from CIE Tours International.
Each of the winners achieved a customer satisfaction rating of over 92 percent from CIE Tours International visitors, delivering an exceptional quality experience and welcome to tourists.

The honours were presented by Vivienne Jupp, Chairman and Elizabeth Crabill, Chief Executive Officer, CIE Tours International.

CIE Tours International (www.cietours.com) is one of Ireland’s longest established heritage tour operators, celebrating 87 years in business this year. In 2018, the company enjoyed €120 million in revenues and over 400,000 bed nights booked throughout the country. It is the most successful tour operator involved in delivering tourism to Ireland from North and in 2019 is expanding its destinations with new tours to Italy and Iceland.

Elizabeth Crabill, Chief Executive Officer, CIE Tours International said that 2018 was a fantastic year for the tourism industry in Ireland, with next year expected to be as good, in spite of uncertainties created by Brexit and other external factors.
“The hotels and attractions which have been recognised all deserve acknowledgment for the roles they play in making Ireland a leading destination for visitors across the globe and ensuring tourists enjoy a memorable experience,” she said.
“And this is not me saying it, it is the 32,000 visitors who filled out our survey forms and told us about their experience.”