30 May 2013
STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 00.01 HOURS FRIDAY, 31 MAY
Tourism industry celebrates award winners
Over thirty businesses, initiatives and events were awarded for their contribution to
tourism at an annual gala ceremony which celebrates and showcases the very best
of Northern Ireland's local tourism industry.
Organised by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in partnership with Diageo Northern
Ireland, the tourism awards cover a total of 10 categories and three special awards.
There was an extra edge to this year's ceremony as it reflected the successes and
achievements of 2012, a massive year for tourism as a result of the ni2012
campaign.
Speaking at the event, Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said:"Tonight we can
applaud the best in tourism and all that is great about our industry after what I
believe was one the most significant years in its history.
"There is no doubt that ni2012 moved tourism into a key position in the
Northern Ireland economy. Its legacy is a firm foundation that we can build on
and use to increase our future prosperity. Its success is something that we
have all created and it is something in which we can all share tonight.
"As Tourism Minister, one of my priorities is to make sure we keep the
momentum going. Through the high-profile events that are coming up in 2013
we are creating further opportunities for tourism and I am sure everyone in the
industry will be doing everything possible to take advantage of them."
Awards were presented in a variety of categories, including Best Event or Festival,
Taste of Northern Ireland and Best Visitor Experience.
The 2012 Irish Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club, which was the first European Tour
event in history to sell out, won the coveted title of Best Event or Festival.
In the Local Tourism Hero category, which acknowledges an individual’s involvement
and impact on local tourism, the award went to Martin McCrossan of City Tours in
Derry~Londonderry.
Stena Line, which recently completed a £4.6 million refurbishment on its ships on the
Liverpool to Belfast route and has invested heavily in the Port of Belfast, received the
Lifetime Achievement Award.
Titanic Belfast which has welcomed over 800,000 visitors from over 128 countries
since its opening last year and exceeded visitor number expectations received
Outstanding Contribution to Tourism.
Other award winners included the Tara Lodge on the north Antrim coast, which
scooped best Non Serviced Accommodation, The Brewer's House in Donaghmore,
which won the Taste of Northern Ireland category, and Belfast Zoo, which grabbed
the award for Best Visitor Experience.
NITB Chairman Howard Hastings said: “The big lesson of ni2012 is that we have
demonstrated on a global platform that we can successfully open world-class
attractions and we can run spectacular events. And in delivering on this we can all
work together and do so with pride. From a confident vantage point, we can
therefore look ahead to 2013 and to 2014 where there are many more opportunities
for Northern Ireland to shine and for tourism to prosper."
Paddy McKenna of Diageo, sponsors of the awards for the fifth year in a row, said:
“Diageo Northern Ireland is delighted to continue to support the Northern Ireland
Tourism Awards. The tourism sector continues to have an increasingly important role
in our future economic success and I believe there is tremendous potential for
growth.
"This evening's winners are the key to continued success and the future
development of our tourism industry and so deserve our whole-hearted
congratulations."
An audience of over 300 people were entertained by Conor Scott, Belfast’s busiest
busker who is currently featuring on BBC 1's 'The Voice' talent show.
He was joined on stage by the ARCO String Quartet comprising members of the
Ulster Orchestra, the Derry~Londonderry based Colmcille Pipe Band, and Saffyre, a
trio from County Down who will be supporting Van Morrison on his forthcoming world
tour.
Notes to editors
The full list of winners was as follows.
Best Event/Festival
Winner – The Irish Open – The European Tour
Highly commended –Circuit of Ireland Rally
Commended – International North West 200
Commended – Hillsborough International Oyster Festival
Best Visitor Experience
Winner – Belfast Zoological Gardens
Highly commended – Titanic Belfast
Commended – Giant’s Causeway Visitors Centre
Hotel Accommodation
Winner – Galgorm Resort and Spa
Highly commended – The Merchant Hotel
Commended – Walsh’s Hotel
Marketing and Sales Excellence
Winner – The MAC
Highly commended – Titanic Belfast
Commended – City of Derry Airport
Taste of Northern Ireland
Winner – The Brewer's House
Highly commended – Balloo House
Commended – Dundrum Inn
Serviced Accommodation
Winner – Rayanne House
Highly commended – Belmore Court & Motel
Commended – Dromard House
Non Serviced Accommodation
Winner – Tara Lodge
Highly commended – Chestnutt Holiday Parks
Commended – Fermanagh Self Catering
Tourism Partner Initiative
Winner – SlieveGullion Forest Adventure Project
Highly commended – Cruise Belfast
Best ni2012 Initiative
Winner –The Irish Open Legacy – Coleraine Borough Council
Highly commended – The Merchant Hotel
Commended – The Kitchen Bar
Customer Service Excellence
Winner – Clandeboye Lodge
Highly commended – Fool's Haven Thatched Cottage
Commended – NW Academy
Commended – Holiday Inn Express Antrim
Tourism Hero
Martin McCrossan, City Tours, Derry~Londonderry
Lifetime Achievement Award
Stena Line
Outstanding Contribution to Tourism
Titanic Belfast
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