Galway hospitality industry to honour GIAF CEO John Crumlish

The honour will be bestowed on Mr Crumlish by Galway’s hospitality industry at the industry’s annual Black Tie Ball, which brings together Galway members of the industry’s professional associations, including the Irish Hotels’ Federation, Restaurant Association of Ireland, Vintners Federation of Ireland and Skal International.

The ball is a celebration of the industry’s successes in Galway, while looking forward to what the forthcoming season will bring. It will also act as a closing event to Galway European Region of Gastronomy 2018, which recognised the contribution of food producers, farmers and chefs to Galway’s food tourism sector.

The group said the honour would recognise Mr Crumlish’s vision, tenacity, foresight and continued enhancement of Galway International Arts Festival, which, it said, makes a hugely significant economic and cultural tourism impact on the fabric of Galway City and County’s growing hospitality sector.

“Under his direction and stewardship, John has brought innovation and recognition to the arts festival which plays such a unique and important economic role in Galway’s high season. John’s vision, excellent work and team leadership has brought recognition to Galway as an arts capital, all of which contributes to such accolades as the recent announcement by National Geographic of Galway as the most exciting destination for the year ahead,” it said.

The recognition for Mr Crumlish from the hospitality industry comes as the city prepares for Galway International Arts Festival 2019 (15-28 July) and the European Capital of Culture designation next year.

The Black Tie Ball takes place in the Galmont Hotel and Spa on 4 February 2019.