On Friday 27th September 2013, Fota Island Resort celebrated a very welcome new chapter in its history as management announced the official handover to the new owners, the Kang Family Worldwide Group.
The Resort has steadily grown from strength to strength over the last few years despite the economic backdrop, but this vote in confidence and the security that the Kang family bring, both to the brand and to the 280 people who work at Fota Island Resort, closes a chapter on much uncertainty. Now, working with the existing management team, the commitment of the Kang family with their passion for hospitality means the Resort can plan properly for long-term growth of the brand in the Irish and international markets.
Originally from Baoding, Hebei Province in China, the new owners bought the 500-acre Resort from Nama after falling in love with Ireland’s warmth, hospitality and scenery. This purchase marks the first investment for the Kang family in Europe but may not be the last, as they have expressed an interest in expanding their hospitality portfolio in this region. The Kang family has extensive hospitality experience, operating two five star hotels in Beijing and Shanghai, and today confirmed that business at Fota Island Resort will trade as normal with all current and future commitments from weddings to accommodation and corporate bookings being honoured.
Nestled in the heart of a peaceful island, surrounded by gorgeous scenery just eight miles from Cork city, the Resort is a unique combination of championship golf courses, a luxurious hotel with a stunning 1600 square metre destination spa, residential lodges, and a world class golf academy.
Developments planned for the near future include a refurbishment, completion of the lodges, a destination restaurant, increasing leisure facilities, a seasonal Christmas market and Santa experience, plus additional outdoor pursuits and adventure activities to make full use of the surrounding woodlands.
Fota Island Golf Club, twice host to the Irish Open, has three championship golf courses set in beautiful parkland scenery, maintained to the very highest of standards to ensure year round golfing enjoyment. The courses are supported by one of Ireland’s most sophisticated golf academies, which uses the latest high-tech video systems and computerised analysis and regular classes with PGA professionals to attract golfers of all ages and abilities. The new owners look forward to making a valuable contribution to the continued success that the relationship between the hotel and the golf club has created, and are looking to bring significant international tournaments to the Resort and the region.
Commenting on the new ownership, Mr. Xui Kang, spokesperson of the Kang Family Worldwide Group, said “President Michael D. Higgins referred to Ireland and China as “both countries with ancient traditions and modern responsibilities”, and described the love of art, culture and sense of family that connect China and Ireland, but something else important we have in common is our hospitality. Our company has had the good fortune to buy this wonderful resort, and we are looking forward to developing the great work that has been done here to date and maximising Fota Island Resort’s potential in the future.”
Mike Cronin, Kang family representative in Ireland said “We are delighted to announce the official handover today. Today marks a new chapter for Fota Island Resort, visitors and the surrounding community. The Kang family have spent recent months planning a bright new future for the Resort and are looking forward to bringing their magical touch to the Irish hospitality industry. It is the beginning of a new venture for both parties and the Kang family look forward to working with the team at Fota Island Resort.”
Jonathan Woods, CEO of Fota Island Resort said, “I am extremely proud of the loyal team of 280 employees who have shown immense support and commitment over the past few years consistently delivering 5-star standards of excellence through their continued hard work and dedication.”
“The new working relationship with the Kang family and their representatives is proving to be extremely positive, and everyone on the team at Fota Island Resort is feeling confident about the exciting times that lie ahead with many developments planned to make the Resort an even bigger and better destination for all”, he added.
