The Fota Collection are delighted to have been nominated for large company of the year at the Cork Chamber of Commerce Cork Company of the Year Awards 2015. The year just gone was certainly a memorable year for The Fota Collection. Having welcomed some of Europe’s best golfers with Mikko Ilonen from Finland becoming Irish Open champion amid the beautiful sun-drenched surroundings of the East Cork golf club at Fota Island Resort last June, the Fota Collection is now aiming for glory of its own.
The Fota Collection is made up of two of Cork’s most recognisable accommodation providers including one of the most iconic 5 star hotels in Ireland, Fota Island Resort, and the recently re-opened Kingsley Hotel. However, one of the undoubted highlights of 2014 was the hosting of the Irish Open over three days in June. The fabulous weather and over 100,000 spectators combined to provide the the perfect platform for the luxury golf hotel in Cork to showcase its natural beauty as well as the surrounding Cork harbour area.
The hosting of the Irish Open proved to be a huge success. The Collection, however, prides itself on the day-t0-day management and operation of its properties to ensure that it is recognised as one of the leading accommodation provider for those seeking short hotel breaks in Cork, a family hotel break or, alternatively, holiday rentals and hotels with self catering near Cork. According to chief executive, Jonathan Woods, this high level of service is only possible thanks to the hard work and dedication of the 130 full-time staff who have driven the group’s success throughout 2014.
“It is always a pleasure to have hard work and commitment recognised and appreciated, and everyone at the Fota Collection are pleased and proud that the Cork Chamber has nominated us in this category for the Company of the Year Awards,” he said.
Another source of pride for the group was the moment that The Kingsley re-opened its doors to visitors back in July 2014 after investment of almost €5m and five years after flood damage forced the iconic Spa hotel in Cork to close. Located on the southern banks of the River Lee and within walking distance of University College Cork and the city centre, this hotel in Cork is a popular destination for executive travellers especially.
The refurbishment was undertaken by the Fota Collection’s Chinese owners, the Kang family who bought the 500-acre five star resort back in August 2013 and added the Kingsley shortly afterwards.
Fota Island Resort is not only home to a premier championship golf course and five star hotel near Cobh, it is also one of the leading spa hotels in Ireland which was awarded the ‘People’s Choice Award’ at the Tatler Spa Awards last year. Further acclaim followed for the golf resort in being recognised as the ‘Golfers Guide to Ireland’ best hotel. The honour of being awarded the Cork Chamber’s large company of the year would certainly be a fitting accolade to start off 2015 for The Fota Collection.
