Managing director of Dromoland Castle honoured in Lisbon with international lifetime achievement award
World-renowned hotelier and MD at Dromoland Mark Nolan presented with prestigious lifetime achievement award by world’s largest independent hotel brand
Managing Director of Dromoland Castle Hotel in County Clare, and world-renowned Hotelier, Mark Nolan, has been presented with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the world’s largest independent hotel brand, Preferred Hotels & Resorts.
Dromoland was also honoured with an Award of Excellence on the night for Sustainability as part of Preferreds’ Global Annual GIFFTS Awards Ceremony - Great Initiatives for Today's (Tomorrow's) Society, a significant global award demonstrating Dromoland Castle Resort’s commitment to sustainability.
Mark was presented with the honour at a glittering Gala Event at the Preferred Global Conference in Lisbon which represents 600 hotels, resorts, and residences across 80 countries, on Thursday, May 9.
Speaking of their reasons for selecting Mark Nolan for the Lifetime Achievement Award from the wealth of worthy nominees, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lindsey Ueberroth said “it is an honor to recognize Mark Nolan with our 2024 Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifetime Achievement Award".
"Mark’s unwavering passion for excellence, heart for hospitality, and positive leadership have been a guiding light to countless professionals he has mentored throughout his remarkable career. He is truly a role model for all who aspire to greatness."
With over 40 years’ experience in the hotel management sector, Mark has been an integral and revered leader of Dromoland Castle’s luxury five star resort since he was appointed General Manager in 1989; a mere eight years after completing a diploma in Hotel Management at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology.
In 1996 he assumed the title of Managing Director and, under his stewardship, the resort has gone from strength-to-strength, winning a multitude of accolades to fast become one of Ireland’s most recognised and applauded Irish Castle experiences across the globe.
Mark has become a part of the rich tapestry & heritage of Dromoland Castle itself due to his undivided love and passion for hospitality in all its forms – the guest journey, the staff, and the greater good – he has acted as a true & loyal custodian for Dromoland Castle’s rich heritage and the surrounding environment and community - ensuring he has set the seed for a sustainable journey ahead for Dromoland Castle estate and the impact it will have on future generations.
On receiving the Award, Mark said that "to be named the recipient of this honour from Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is very humbling".
"My career in hospitality has been most rewarding, and of course, like anything, not without its challenges, and a resort such as Dromoland does not succeed without a fantastic, dedicated team on the ground, so I owe this in part to my wonderful colleagues and their friendship down through the years.
"There is one thing we all share – a passion and love for all things hospitality – we have accomplished a lot as a team and more yet to do, thank you to Preferred for this wonderful recognition – I am very, very humbled indeed,” he added.