Banner County takes top honours in tourism excellence awards

FOR wining and dining in style it seems you can’t beat the Banner.

County Clare has gleaned top honours at an award ceremony celebrating excellence in tourism products. Dromoland Castle, where prices range from 277 for a standard room to 1,186 for the presidential suite, shone in the five star hotel

category at last night's CIE National Awards of Excellence.

Down the road, the world famous Bunratty banquet was toasting its award, for a four course meal that includes wine and singing entertainment at a cost of 45.50 per person.

The country's best hotels and holiday attractions were honoured at a gala ceremony in Dublin last night, hosted by TV presenter Gráinne Seoige. More than 20 hotels, B&Bs, entertainment venues and tourist destinations were recognised.

The results are based on responses from visitors who completed detailed questionnaires last year.

"This makes the awards unique

because they are based, not on the opinion of judges or other experts, but on the personal experiences of our customers," CIE Tours International chief executive Brian Dowling said.

The awards, which have been

running for 13 years, were presented for products as diverse as best breakfast Ashford Castle, best visit Giants Causeway, and best tour Waterford Walking Tour.

Jurys Hotel in Ballsbridge, Dublin, was voted the best four star hotel. Rooms at Jurys are available from 136 per night.

Mr Dowling warned there will be a major drop in the number of US

visitors coming here this year, but CIE International will continue to market tours abroad.

"In 2002 we invested over 9 million on overseas marketing and we

expect to spend a similar amount this year," he said.

Speaking at the ceremony, Tourism Minister John O'Donoghue said high quality tourist products will boost the sector.

"It's of vital importance to our

industry that each and every one of our customers is pleased with their

experience of Ireland," he said.

Tourists' responses show that 90% of visitors are consistently satisfied with their holiday here. Last year, 94% of tourists said their trip matched or

exceeded their expectations.

In 2001, almost seven million tourists visited the country. This was worth more than 5 billion to the economy.