Council Shortlisted In NITB Awards For Ferguson Festival

th May. The Harry Ferguson Festival was proven to be an etremely  popular event with visitors and tourists  and is part of the bedrock for further tourism developments in the Newcastle area. As the news broke, Sharon O’Connor, Down District Council Director of Economic and VCultural Development said, ” Down District Council is delighted to be shortlisted in this high profile competition. The Council’s vision and investment in the public realm has helped the town become the region’s premier activity resort. [caption id="attachment_20245" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="Best run event yet in Newcastle. The seaside town saw its biggest crowd ever last summer with the Harry Ferguson Festival of Flight, and traffic flow and crowd management was excellent as 140,000 arrived to watch the Red Arrows. "][/caption] “These efforts came to fruition with the enthusiastic endorsement of over 140,000 visitors to Newcastle for this wonderful event last August. We look forward to building on this success this year.” Also commenting on the shortlist, Carolyn Boyd, NITB Industry Development Manager said, “We are delighted with the calibre of entry for this year’s Northern Ireland Tourism Awards, which are the highlight of the tourism calendar. The awards recognise the hard work and achievements of the industry, and encourage the delivery of excellence for our visitors. This year marks the 33^rd ceremony and two new categories have been introduced ‘Tourism Partnership Initiative’ and ‘New Tourism Project’. This reflects the ever evolving industry which responds to the needs of the visitor. The tourism industry continues to grow from strength to strength, even after a difficult couple of years. Northern Ireland competes with some of the best destinations in the world and the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards succeed in raising the bar right across the industry so we can exceed visitor’s expectations. We congratulate all those who have been shortlisted and look forward to celebrating their success on 26^th May.” Clare Strawson, Corporate Relations Manager at Diageo NI said, “Diageo is proud to support the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in the ongoing development of a vibrant tourism and hospitality sector.  The Northern Ireland Tourism Awards are key to a thriving tourism industry and the future success of the Northern Ireland economy.  Each year the standard of shortlisted entries continue to rise and this year is no exception. “The commitment and passion demonstrated by those working in the industry is evident again this year and this approach is essential to ensure that the standards for excellence across the sector remain high.  Tourism businesses who continue to strive to give visitors a unique and authentic experience will be rewarded and Diageo is committed to supporting the industry to deliver excellent hospitality as well as innovative events.” Relevant links: http://www.downnews.co.uk/downnewscouk?s=Harry+Ferguson+photographs http://www.downnews.co.uk/downnewscouklatest-news/harry-ferguson-festival-scoops-top-tourism-award The Shortlist In Alphabetical Order Ballinderry Station Cottage Ballydougan Pottery Courtyard Cottages Belfast City Council – Music Tourism Belfast City Hall Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau Belfast Zoological Gardens Belmore Court and Motel Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust – ÉCONOMUSÉE Northern Europe Project Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau – Tourism Information Ambassadors Programme Down District Council – Harry Ferguson Festival of Flight Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism – Destination Fermanagh Fools Haven Thatched Cottage Greater Shankill Partnership Killyhevlin Hotel and Health Club Lough Erne Resort and Spa Maddybenny Mews The Merchant Hotel Mourne Seafood Cookery School National Museums Northern Ireland – Ulster Museum National Trust – The Waterways Ireland Lough Erne Classic Yacht Regatta 2010 Newforge House Open House Festival The Parson’s Nose Pier 36 PLM Promotions – Fatboy Slim at Giant’s Park Rayanne House Victoria Apartments Westville Hotel Enniskillen W5 at Odyssey]]>