MACDONALD OPENS THE DOORS TO A NEW TOURISM DESTINATION AT PORTAL

The doors have opened at a new multi million pound hotel, spa and golf complex in the heart of Cheshire.

Following 30 weeks of construction and fitting out, the first official day of trading at the new £12 million Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf and Spa in Tarporley was marked with a visit from James Berresford, director of tourism at the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).

Berresford welcomed the investment which has created around 60 jobs and will bring millions into the local economy during a tour of the facility, which is jointly owned by Macdonald Hotels and Arderne Plc.

He said: "This substantial investment in the region is testament to the strength of the visitor economy in England's Northwest. It also demonstrates the confidence that Macdonald has in the region and in Cheshire in particular.

"It is great to see high quality developments in the region, which will ultimately help to raise standards across the industry."

He was shown round the development by Christine Jones, Director of Sales, David Wills, Director of Golf, and Debbie Johnson, Regional Managing Director (North), at Macdonald Hotels before cutting a ribbon to welcome the first guests.

The new-look £11.8 million development consists of eighty-five en-suite bedrooms along with extensive conference and banqueting facilities, a fine dining restaurant and a private lounge and restaurant for golf members.

A leisure club featuring a thermal suite, 18-metre swimming pool, ten beauty rooms, exercise studios and a state-of-the-art gym will open on September 7.

Debbie Johnson, said: "Tourism is an important industry in the north west and I am sure our multi-million pound refurbishment will prove a catalyst to attract more visitors to the area.

"We are delighted with the final outcome and it was great to receive positive feedback from the NWDA."