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US prize for Cork whiskey

Hyde Whiskey, which is matured in Co.Cork has won two awards at the 2016 San Francisco Whiskey Competition, which attracted 200 Irish entries.

Hyde was named 'Best Single Malt Whiskey' and also won a 'Best Taste' award.

Hyde whiskies are now available in 15 world markets HYDE Whiskey

Chinese writers on the ball

A group of Chinese travel writers – with a combined audience of more than 4.5 million readers – has been visiting Dublin and Ireland’s Ancient East, as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.

Pictured are Xin Wang, Tourism Ireland (left); Ms Yi Luo, senior editor of Qyer.com; tour guide Min Lin; Mr Peng Lu, travel writer; Ms Li Ying, photographer; and Mr Meng Cheng, blogger and journalist in Nowlan Park Kikenny

Ireland goes Underground

Millions of French commuters are seeing ads for Ireland on large billboard posters as they pass through the busy metro stations of Paris.

Tourism Ireland in France has teamed up with a leading online travel agent – Go Voyages – once again this year for a joint promotional campaign. Some 660 billboard ads are prominently displayed in metro stations across the French capital, grabbing the attention of commuters with beautiful images of the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route and featuring attractive offers for a weekend break – reminding them why they should put the island of Ireland on their holiday wish-list for 2016.

The campaign also includes advertising in Direct Matin (free daily newspaper), radio ads on the Chante France radio station, online advertising and a dedicated Ireland page on the Go Voyages website.

Sales rise at Hostelworld

Irish travel website Hostelworld has said that sales rose by 5 per cent in 2015 in its first set of financial results as a public company.

Hostelworld, which also operates the Hostelbookers and Hostels. com brands, raised € 180 million when it listed on the Irish and London stock exchanges in November.

In the twelve months to December 31st 2015, group revenues rose by 5 per cent to € 83.5 million, with the average booking value also up by 5 per cent to €12.1 per booking. Earnings (EBITDA)for the year fell back to €23.6 million, “ reflecting marketing investment”.

Langtons Loss

Langton’s in Kilkenny City generated earnings of over €550,000 in 2014, accounts show.

However, the hotel had a pre-tax loss of €377,373 for the year. This takes into account interest payments of €145,324 and non-cash depreciation costs of €785,787. Operating losses fell from €425,066 to €232,049.

Langton’s houses a number of bars including The Set Theatre, which opened in 2009.