Athlone tourism businesses honoured at CIE Tours awards event

Local businesses Sean's Bar and the Sheraton Athlone Hotel were recognised for their contributions to tourism at a CIE Tours awards event this week.

CIÉ Tours, the largest carrier of US visitors to Ireland every year, held its annual awards of excellence celebrating Irish hoteliers and tourist experience operators who have been singled out by the 30,000 visitors who came to Ireland with the tour company in 2024.

Now in their 33rd year, the prestigious accolades are awarded based on post-stay feedback received by CIÉ Tours from their customers.

Sheraton Athlone Hotel and Sean's Bar came highly recommended and were recipients of merit awards in the hotel and visitor experience categories.

In neighbouring Offaly, the Clonmacnoise Visitor Centre was also the recipient of a merit award in the visitor experience category, in recognition of its excellent customer service.

The CIE Tours Awards of Excellence were presented by Chairman of CIÉ Tours, Aidan Murphy and Stephen Cotter, Managing Director, CIÉ Tours.

Congratulating the attendees, Aidan Murphy said, "Our honorees are exemplary contributors to our 95.4% guest satisfaction rate, and they all deserve recognition for the excellent roles they play in welcoming visitors to Ireland and ensuring they have a memorable experience."

Speaking at the awards, Stephen Cotter said: "2024 was another landmark year for us, when we booked over 250,000 bed nights throughout Ireland.

"Our support for tourism destinations is bringing vital revenue to towns and villages across the country. We are delighted to honour these leaders in tourism in Westmeath."