Date: 2007-10-19
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Trim, Meath, Thursday 18th October, 2007 – Minister of State Tony Killeen TD today announced that four Clare leisure facilities have been given the 'Quality seal of approval' and presented with the Prestigious 2007/2008 White Flag Award.
(Media-Newswire.com) - The Clare T.D. presented the award to The Kingfisher Club Dromoland (Clare Inn Hotel), Kingfisher Club Ennis (West County Hotel), Ennis Leisure Complex and River Lodge Health & Fitness Club (Auburn Lodge) at the 2007 Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management (ILAM) Annual Conference & Exhibition in Trim, County Meath.
The White Flag, developed by ILAM, is the only comprehensive Quality Award for Leisure Facilities in Ireland. The award recognises standards of excellence in health and leisure facilities and is aimed at sports halls, fitness studios, health suites, spas, gyms and swimming pools.
The award scheme, now in its 7th year, has established itself as the quality mark that all leisure facilities must strive to achieve and is endorsed by Fáilte Ireland and the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF). It is also a mandatory requirement for Health Spas seeking funding from Fáilte Ireland.
Leisure facilities in 24 counties were presented with the 2007/2008 award, with new awards being presented in Clare, Offaly, Meath, Cork, Limerick, Kildare, Monaghan, Wexford and Galway for 2007/2008.
Ennis Leisure Complex received the award for the seventh consecutive year, the Kingfisher Club Dromoland and Kingfisher Club Ennis picked up the award for the sixth time (2nd year as Kingfisher), while this year saw the River Lodge Health & Fitness Club collect its first White Flag.
"The Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management plays a key role in the development of the product in its niche market", stated Minister Tony Killeen.
He added, "This is vital in the development of the tourism industry, which in 2006 increased to EUR6.1bn and employment in the tourism and hospitality industry grew to 250,000. Last year we welcomed a record 7.7m visitors from overseas, our fifth consecutive year of sustained growth, while the home holiday market recorded further growth of 23% in expenditure."
Kilian Fisher, Chief Executive of ILAM commented, "Our aim is to ensure the White Flag Award continues to be is the benchmark for highest standards within the health and leisure industry. A leisure facility can reach a very high standard, offering the best possible service, without resorting to major structural changes. With the recent increase in new applicants from facilities for 2007/2008, and with existing facilities retaining their awards, ILAM can ensure the very highest of standards are provided in many facilities for the industry and the public throughout Ireland."
The awards ceremony is part of ILAM's Annual Conference and Exhibition, a forum for development and discussion for Ireland's Leisure Industry. Running over two days the following keynote speakers within the industry addressed the 250 attending delegates:
Paul Eigenmann – Qualitop, Herman Rutgers – EFHA Executive Director, Duncan Green – Momentum Business System, Duncan Stewart – TV Presenter and Architect, Maurice Bergin – HSC Hospitality Solutions Consulting, Michael Lennon – Westport Woods Hotel & Spa, Alison O'Kane – Assistance Vice President of International Operations, Ray Algar – MBA Oxygen Consulting, Debra Siena – TCA Tennis Corp. of America, Fáilte Ireland, Sigmar B Hauksson – Vice President ESPA, Joachim Lieber – Secretary General ESPA, Mary O'Donghue – Spa Strategy Ireland, Andy McCabe – Greenwich Leisure Ltd London, Rob Corlton – Asset Advantage, Paul Donovan – Kingfisher Group. There will also be an open forum where ILAM encourage 'Hear the latest and have your say'.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution image of Minister Killeen available on request.
- The White Flag Award is a Quality award with key criteria classified under a number headings including facility interior, exterior & grounds; staff training and qualifications, disability access and provision, swimming pool hygiene; operations; environmental management; water quality and treatment and education information. Each leisure facility must have safe and easy access, qualified and trained staff, good health & safety procedures, follow industry codes of practice, all of which are also imperative for the White Flag. By following White Flag criteria, making some necessary changes, a leisure facility can reach a very high standard, offering the best possible service, without resorting to major structural changes.
Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
Clonboula,
Connolly,
Ennis,
County Clare
IRELAND
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