In the ever-changing hospitality landscape, the Radisson Blu Hotel Cork stands out by adapting to meet its guests’ evolving needs. As part of the iNua Collection, which comprises 14 hotels nationwide, Radisson Blu is conveniently located in Little Island, just minutes from Cork city centre.
The hotel offers 126 comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a fitness centre, and a spa, making it ideal for family vacations, weddings, and corporate functions. This picturesque venue provides the perfect blend of convenience and relaxation for business and leisure visitors, with meeting facilities for up to 1,100 delegates.
Roisin Flynn, Radisson Blu’s Director of Sales, spoke with us about how the hotel has navigated post-pandemic challenges to stay ahead, along with its focus on fostering a strong relationship with the local community.
Navigating Post-Pandemic Challenges
The hospitality sector was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. Hotels had to pivot rapidly to target the domestic market, focusing on family-friendly options, outdoor activities, and flexible bookings. Despite these challenges, Radisson Blu Cork has flourished. The hotel has placed a strong emphasis on building relationships with local corporate clients in Little Island, a key market segment. “We’re in a unique position here, with a vast corporate community right on our doorstep,” Roisin notes. The hotel’s ability to host large conferences and events for up to 1,000 delegates further distinguishes it in the market.
Enhancing Employee Engagement and Retention
In response to the long-standing issue of inadequate support for hospitality staff, businesses have made significant strides in improving pay, benefits, flexibility, and career progression. At Radisson Blu Cork, there’s a strong commitment to placing people at the heart of the corporate agenda through active employee engagement programs. Roisin says, “We are in a very lucky position being part of the iNUA Collection, where we have a great support system for our staff.” This commitment is a key driver of staff retention at the hotel.
Supporting the Local Community
Community engagement is another cornerstone of Radisson Blu Cork’s operations. The hotel is actively involved in supporting local associations and clubs, such as their partnership with Leeside United, where they contributed to the development of a new AstroTurf pitch. Roisin highlights this commitment, saying, “We absolutely give back to the local community and invest in its growth.” This collaboration reflects the hotel’s broader mission to foster strong local ties and contribute positively to the community.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is also a key focus for Radisson Blu Cork. The hotel is working towards Gold Accreditation for sustainability, with initiatives such as sourcing locally for their Brasserie menu and planning a fully sustainable event for the National Network Business of the Year 2025. “Sustainability for us goes far beyond just saving on utilities; it’s about supporting local producers and giving back to the community,” says Roisin.
The hotel’s Green Committee regularly reviews areas for improvement, ensuring that the hotel continues to enhance its sustainable practices and reduce its environmental impact.
Looking Forward
Looking ahead, Radisson Blu Cork has big plans, including upcoming projects aimed at enhancing guest experiences. The hotel is also gearing up for its wedding showcase on September 22nd, where the hotel’s expert wedding team and top-rated suppliers will be offering exclusive deals for all couples attending.
As Roisin says, “We’re not just about providing a place to stay; we’re about creating an experience that resonates with our guests long after they leave.”
