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Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel

Double Tourism Triumph for city centre Hotel

Two members of staff from Chester"s oldest hotel scooped Awards for their skills in tourism.

Chef Ian Winquist of The Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel was crowned Most Promising Trainee in the Visitor Economy while his colleague Richard Mead was named Unsung Hero at this year"s Cheshire Awards for Tourism Skills (CATS).

Ian, 21, who is based at the St. John Street Hotel, was also a Finalist in the Young Chef competition at the 2008 Chester Food & Drink Festival and Richard, 59, who is Maintenance Manager at the Hotel, also undertakes further roles such as Duty Manager. Richard, who is originally from Zimbabwe, was also commended in Excellence in Customer Service, Ian was nominated as a Finalist for Best New Entrant to the Visitor Economy and the Hotel also won a Silver Award for Team of the Year.

Kate Halewood, General Manager of The Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, said:
“This is a fantastic achievement for the Hotel and we are delighted that two great members of staff have been recognized for their efforts. We are very pleased to have won two out of a possible 12 Awards, which is a testament to the skill of Ian and Richard. I would also like to commend all members of staff, as our work at the Hotel is a real team effort.”

Visit Chester & Cheshire"s Head of Business Development, Emma Clarke added:
“The Cheshire Awards for Tourism Skills showcase some of the best talent in the tourism industry, particularly among the young people nominated for awards. The standard of entries has been higher than ever this year and I congratulate the entrants of their achievements.

It"s clear that there"s a growing recognition that a skilled and committed workforce is the key to the future success of the industry."

The ceremony at this year"s Mardi Gras themed event at Tatton Park was hosted by top TV chef Simon Rimmer and attracted more than 450 guests.

Now in their eighth year, the Awards provide a unique opportunity for employers to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of their teams and nominate their top achievers.

Organised by Visit Chester & Cheshire, the Awards are open to any business connected with the Chester-Cheshire Visitor Economy, including those involved in travel, tourism, leisure, education and training, hospitality, attractions, events, food and drink and accommodation providers.

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CAPTIONS:
1. Most Promising Trainee in the Visitor Economy Ian Winquist, of The Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, collects his Award from Helen Nellist of West Cheshire College.
2. Unsung Hero Richard Mead, of The Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, with Simon Rimmer and Colin Parry of The Tim Parry Jonathan Ball Foundation

Notes to editor:
The Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, which dates back to the 1400"s, is located in the heart of the historical city of Chester, just off the main shopping street, and only a short walk from Chester’s famous Racecourse, providing the perfect place to stay no matter what the occasion.
With 67 individual bedroom experiences, ranging from smart executive rooms to character feature rooms, four poster and suites, every care has been taken to combine the period charm of the building with modern luxury facilities.
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts Limited operates 48 well-located hotels across the UK and ten resorts throughout the UK and Spain. The company employs over 4,400 staff and operates in excess of 3900 rooms.

First established in 1990 by Donald Macdonald and colleagues, the company was floated in 1996 on the main London Stock Exchange. In 2003, it returned to private ownership and was one of Scotland"s biggest public to private deals at a cost of £620m, which was wholly underwritten by the Bank of Scotland. The Bank now owns 50% of the equity with the remainder held by the management.

The Group"s focus is on developing its strong portfolio of four and five star hotels, with each offering its own character and individuality underpinned with the quality and attention to detail expected of the Macdonald brand. In particular, the company prides itself on the seasonality and provenance of its food within the hotels, from breakfast through to dinner, as well as its wide range of specially selected wines.

The Group has recently embarked on a programme of investment and refurbishment that includes properties such as Macdonald Blossoms in Chester, Macdonald Old England in Windermere and Compleat Angler in Marlow. In addition, the Group recently opened the Macdonald Portal Hotel Spa and Golf in Cheshire in July and the Macdonald Manchester Hotel, situated in the heart of the city centre, adjacent to Piccadilly Station in October 2007.

For more details visit: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/blossoms/

Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel Contact: Lynn Hunter, Communications Manager Mob: 07944 722631
Tel: 01506 815246
MACDONALD HOTELS
Email: lynn.hunter@macdonald-hotels.co.uk

Press Contacts: Phil Brotherhood Mob: 07884 493370
Tel: 01244 330000
MARKETING PROJECTS
Email: info@marketingprojects.co.uk

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