Mayo tourism sweeps boards at CIE Tours awards

Mayo tourism swept the boards at the CIE Tours International's annual awards for excellence in Dublin with six hotels and tourist attractions recognised at the prestigious ceremony.

The awards, now in their 30th year, recognise the best hotels and tourist attractions across Ireland based on feedback from over 25,000 customers throughout the year.

Each winner achieved a customer satisfaction rating of over 92% from CIE Tours International visitors with Gold Award winners achieving the highest satisfaction ratings in their categories.

The Lodge at Ashford Castle won a Gold Award and was named Best 4 Star Hotel.

Clew Bay Hotel won a Gold Award and was named Best 3 Star Hotel.

Westport Walking Tour won a Gold Award and was named Best Walking Tour Award.

Two visitor attractions in the county, Ballintubber Abbey and Westport House, as well Hotel Westport, each received a Merit Award of Excellence for delivering an exceptional quality experience and welcome to tourists.

The honours were presented by Fiona Ross, chairman, and Elizabeth Crabill, chief executive officer, CIE Tours International.

In total 84 hotels and tourist attractions from across the island of Ireland won awards, with 13 overall category winners being awarded a Gold Award.

CIE Tours International, a member of the CIE Group, is one of Ireland’s longest established speciality tour operators, celebrating 88 years in business this year.

It is the largest specialist tour operator bringing visitors from North America to Ireland, booking over 350,000 bed nights during the year.

Elizabeth Crabill said: “The Irish holiday experience is unique and continues to grow in popularity, so much so that we’re launching new winter tour holidays to Ireland for the first time in 2020.

“This growth is driven in no small part by our tour partners, many of whom are continuously improving their offering. I warmly congratulate the winners from Mayo on their achievements and I thank all our partners who work closely with us throughout the year.”

*Pictured is Elizabeth Crabill, CEO of CIE Tours International, presenting the CIE Tours Award of Excellence to Claire Murphy and Muriel Barry, Ballintubber Abbey, at the CIE Tours International 30th Annual Awards of Excellence where Ireland’s best holiday destinations and experiences were recognised based on feedback from over 25,000 visitors.