Further growth, performance and sustainability are the three key priorities for McKeever Hotels as it seeks to build and extend its reach on the island of Ireland, and beyond.
The intent was revealed by Managing Director, Eddie McKeever at a stakeholder event to launch the Group’s five-year strategy, ‘Beyond Now’.
Building on the positive performance of the last three years, the ambitious plans reflect the World Tourism Organisation’s 2030 vision to enhance the guest journey through sustainability, personalised experiences and technology.
“While our strategy remains growth focused, we want to do so in a way which creates a harmonious balance between success, family values, service excellence and community culture,” said Managing Director, Eddie McKeever.
Having added two new properties to the Group since 2023 (The Lodge, Coleraine and Armagh City Hotel), taking its turnover to over £25 million across its seven-strong portfolio, the McKeevers will continue to seek further opportunities to expand with the Republic of Ireland and Scotland on the target list.
The growth ambitions are underpinned by a further £3million capital expenditure across its hotels, with the intention of both The Lodge and Armagh City achieving 4-star accreditation by 2027.
“While our current capacity is 480 rooms across seven locations, we aim to increase occupancy levels by around 10% through a combination of competitive pricing, improved guest experience and a new Central Reservations System,” added Eddie.
The data-driven system will become a central hub for all bookings, enabling smarter pricing, improved profitability and enhanced guest loyalty. It will also help McKeevers to deepen understanding of customer preferences and tailor experiences accordingly.
Quality food and beverage will remain a cornerstone of the McKeever experience, with a newly appointed Group Food & Beverage Executive to lead innovation across all properties. This will be furthered through a centralised purchasing platform to improve efficiencies and cost effectiveness.
The McKeevers will also continue to support and celebrate NI’s agri-food sector with each hotel showcasing its own signature dishes including a distinctive ‘McKeever Breakfast’ experience.
Sustainability remains at the heart of the Group’s long-term vision. Its ESG commitments will focus on renewable energy sources, improving operational efficiency and supporting the communities in which it operates through local employment and supplier partnerships.
Looking ahead to its 40th anniversary in 2026, Eddie McKeever concluded: “Our strategy sets out a clear path for continued growth, innovation and community impact.
“By 2030 we have the potential to employ 600 people with a group turnover of £45m, all of which will be driven and underpinned by the family values that have successfully defined the brand for the past four decades.”
