25/05/11
First Minister and Cardiff tourism chiefs say tourism and economic outlook is on the up as Maldron Hotel Cardiff is officially opened
The ribbon at The Maldron Hotel Cardiff was cut by the Rt Hon Carwyn Jones, First Minister for Wales, Welsh Assembly Government at a lunch-time ceremony attended by over 50 guests.
Around 100 jobs have been created at the £25m St.Mary Street hotel, with Cardiff winning out over other destinations for the first Maldron Hotel in the UK. The Welsh capital currently attracts 18.6m visitors a year, up 98 per cent on 1998’s figures.
Earlier in the month, the city was praised by the new Lonely Planet guide book for having an infectious ‘new-found confidence’ that sees ‘people travel to Cardiff for a good night out, bringing with them a buzz that reverberates around the streets’.
First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones said: "Cardiff is now a major centre for business, sports and tourism, attracting people from not just the UK, but Europe and beyond.
"This new hotel is another boost to what the city has to offer. It will help meet the needs of the growing number of visitors, particularly when Cardiff is hosting international and sporting events, conferences and shows.
"Hosting major events is something the Welsh Government recognises as a way of promoting and developing the international reputation of Wales. We have a dedicated Major Events Unit to help attract world class events to Wales and continue to build upon our excellent reputation as a host nation."
The hotel is part of the Dalata Hotel Group which operates and manages 22 hotels in key locations throughout Ireland including Dublin, Cork and Galway. Dalata plan to follow the Cardiff hotel with additional hotel developments in key locations throughout the U.K.
Pat McCann, Chief Executive of Dalata Hotel Group, said: “Cardiff is an exciting place to be and I’ve seen a big development in the city since I first started working in it over 15 years ago. There’s an air of vibrancy which I’m confident our team, led by General Manager Emma Dalton, will contribute to as Cardiff continues to establish itself as a business, leisure and tourist destination.
“We’ll look to offering business and leisure guests the competitive pricing and outstanding service that has seen us quickly grow to become Ireland’s largest hotel group.”
The 12-storey hotel, which is described as a superior city centre establishment was developed by Rush Developers and built by McAleer and Rushe. The hotel offers excellent business facilities including the second floor which is a dedicated business centre with a choice of eight meeting rooms, all with in-built AV equipment, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property. Catering is available for 115 delegates.
Richard Thomas, Managing Director for Cardiff & Co said, “The decision by the Dalata Hotel Group to open its first Maldron Hotel in the UK in Cardiff reflects very positively on the city. Cardiff is one of the most popular locations in the UK for conferences and has hosted some of sport’s biggest competitions – from FA Cup Finals to the Ashes and more recently accommodating the army of fans attending the 2010 Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor. This further investment in the capital’s hotel infrastructure, increasing the city-region’s bed capacity, strengthens Cardiff’s offering to conference and event organisers.”
He added, “The opening of St David’s shopping centre, which attracted 36 million shoppers during its first year, is enticing more people into the city and making Cardiff an increasingly popular location for a weekend break. Latest figures also reveal that the capital attracts 18.6 million annual visitors, an increase of 98% since 1998. These developments will not have gone unnoticed with potential investors and the opening of the Maldron Hotel reflects that.”
Each of the 216 guest rooms are air-conditioned and include lap-top safes and flat screen TVs. Funding for the ambitious project was secured with Cardiff-based Julian Hodge Bank and many local contractors and suppliers were involved in the fourteen month construction project.
Julian Hodge Bank, risk director Austin Kennedy commented: “The official opening of this new hotel marks a great week for the Irish in Cardiff, following Leinster’s weekend win in the Heineken Cup. Many travelling supporters from Ireland took advantage of the hotel’s great location, which has made such an attractive addition to the Cardiff skyline, which has changed beyond all recognition in the past few years. As the group’s first venture in the UK, we would like to wish it every success.”
Ian Jones, director at Rush Developments Ltd said: “The site of the former Central Hotel was a challenging opportunity which has come to fruition with the opening of a new landmark hotel in an enviable central location. The new Maldron Hotel Cardiff will bring a significant new offering to hospitality in Cardiff.”
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