Business

Galgorm among first UK hotels to secure new Covid safety marque

The Galgorm's thermal village
The Galgorm's thermal village The Galgorm's thermal village

THE Galgorm near Ballymena has become one of the UK’s first hospitality businesses to secure a new AA marque assessing it against stringent Covid-specific health and safety criteria.

The Covid Confident Mark - which has come ahead of the golf and spa resort's reopening on Friday July 24 - certifies the Galgorm as having all the necessary assessments, safety measures and staff training in place to reopen safely and in line with all official guidelines.

Backed by all the UK’s top industry bodies, the scheme is designed to support the hospitality industry in reassuring consumers as restrictions ease.

Galgorm, the only independent hotel in Northern Ireland to make the AA grade, recently published its own full safety guidelines and hygiene commitment.

It is also in the process of obtaining Visit Britain’s ‘We’re Good To Go’ consumer safety standard, which is supported by Tourism NI and the NI Hotels Federation.

Colin Johnston, managing director of owners Galgorm Collection, said: “We’re looking forward to safely reopening with all the approvals in place to ensure the health and safety of our team and guests.

“Last month, Galgorm published in full its hygiene commitment and reopening policy which has been accompanied with a walk-through video advising guests of what to expect when they arrive.

“From luxury accommodation, to famous golfing greens, a world-renowned spa offering, lively traditional Irish bar and an award-winning fine dining restaurant, our guests will enjoy the same fantastic experience the Resort is known for, albeit with additional safety measures in place.”

Mr Johnston added: “The AA's new Covid Confident assessment scheme is external verification that the measures we have adopted are best practice and reassures guests and visitors that the resort is safe to visit.”