Vantage Hotel Management is the brainchild of hoteliers Paul O'Meara and Paul Taaffe. They believe there is a requirement now in Ireland for a hotel management company offering a value-for-money solution to Irish hotel investors who want to outsource the management of their asset.

The Dublin-based outfit aims to operate Irish hotels through long-term management agreements. The overall objective of the business is to add asset value to contracted hotels by delivering above average returns on hotel investment. This, O'Meara claims, can be achieved by placing special emphasis on best practice in the day-to-day management, encompassing marketing, operations, financial management and human resources.

"The purpose of our business is to deliver above average returns for the investor . . . to make sure he gets a good return on his investment.

"We act as agents for the owners and we work in partnership with the property developer. We are a complete outsourcing solution to the complex business of running a hotel. We sign a management contract to run the hotel for a lengthy period of time."

As an independent company, Vantage aims to offer hotel owners a selection of options when it comes to the crucial area of branding. These include delivering global brand franchises as well as alternatives for those properties that are best suited to remaining independent.

O'Meara pointed out that tourism is Ireland's most important indigenous industry, accounting for 3.7% GNP. Urban areas in particular are benefiting from tourism growth.

Despite this, he said, independent hotels can find the current industry tough with increasing competition from international chains buying into Ireland, along with the constant problem of rising running costs.

He said Vantage will adopt a flexible approach with Irish investors who want a secure future for their asset whilst benefiting from the cost efficiencies of being part of a group.

O'Meara has a wealth of experience in the Irish hotel industry. He began his career in 1985 with Trusthouse Forte in England and later became general manager at Jury's Tara Hotel. His most recent appointment in 1999 was as general manager of the four-star Connemara Coast Hotel in Galway. His partner Paul Taaffe, spent 25 years as group financial director of Fitzpatrick Hotels.

"We see ourselves as operating slightly differently to the global brands that come in here. We have a good understanding of the local market in Ireland.

"We'll look at each property individually.

And if we feel we can make it work we'll take it on. Obviously the hotel would have to be of a certain size. A property needs to be able to afford a management contract and has to have the potential to turn over a certain level of income before we can take it on."

He regards managing the Athlone Springs as an ideal initial venture for his new business. "It's exceptionally well located . . . right in the middle of the country and just off the west-east dual-carriageway. So it's a brilliant location for conferences and meetings. Our target market will include the corporate sector and we'll also be providing restaurant, wedding, function and leisure club facilities."