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September 21, 2025In the heart of Cork, at the Vienna Woods Hotel, the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Cork branch will host its much‑anticipated Cork Tourism Ball 2025. The event has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2025, and will carry the theme Harvest & Heritage, chosen to honour Cork’s abundant local produce and long‑standing cultural traditions. Over 400 hospitality professionals are expected to gather for this night of networking, recognition, and collaboration. Support for the evening will be provided by Musgrave, which has been named joint headline sponsor.Why Harvest & Heritage is the Chosen ThemeThe theme Harvest & Heritage has been selected to reflect the dual forces that shape Cork’s identity. On one hand, the harvest—food producers, farmers, growers, artisans—provides the raw materials for Cork’s famed culinary culture. On the other, heritage—the stories, buildings, customs, festivals—holds the memory and meaning of place. At this ball, those two dimensions will be woven together: the flavours of Cork’s farms and fields will meet music, history, and the elegance of hospitality in the city and county.Advertisement Venue and Ambience at Vienna Woods HotelThe Vienna Woods Hotel in Cork has been chosen as the setting for its combination of warmth, elegance, and proximity to both urban and rural parts of the county. The hotel’s banquet rooms and surroundings will be prepared to reflect the Harvest & Heritage motif—tables adorned with seasonal blooms, table settings that evoke Cork’s food traditions, art or displays that reference historic landmarks. A welcoming yet refined ambience will be cultivated so that attendees feel pride in their region and industry.Who Will Be There & What to ExpectThe guest list will include hoteliers, guesthouse owners, restaurateurs, food producers, tourism operators, artisans, service providers, suppliers, and other stakeholders in the hospitality sector. Over 400 of them are expected to attend. The evening will bring opportunities to:AdvertisementNetwork and exchange ideas about current challenges in hospitality, such as rising costs, supply chain issues, staffing, and sustainability.Showcase local producers and culinary offerings—perhaps via tasting stations, menu samplings, or contributions from farm and food businesses.Reflect on heritage through cultural performances, music, or storytelling—elements that remind participants of Cork’s past and aspirations for the future.The Role of Musgrave as Headline SponsorMusgrave has been confirmed as joint headline sponsor, and its involvement has been welcomed. Sponsorship by a major player such as Musgrave signals the importance of local supply chains and food distribution to Cork’s hospitality sector. The partnership is anticipated to help ensure that the Harvest & Heritage theme is manifested not only decoratively but substantively—by incorporating local food, supporting rural suppliers, and elevating the profile of Cork’s food traditions.Broader Significance for Cork & the Hospitality SectorThe Cork T …
