Tourism and hospitality businesses from across Northern Ireland are being urged to enter the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards to celebrate their achievements.
Over 300 tourism providers and industry stakeholders are expected to attend the glittering Tourism NI event celebrating Northern Ireland’s tourism successes over 2016, including the highly successful Year of Food and Drink.
A total of 12 tourism awards are up for grabs including Hotel of the Year, Best Marketing Initiative and Most Promising New Tourism Business.
Tourism NI’s chief executive John McGrillen said: “Tourism NI is delighted to be bringing the awards to Fermanagh for the first time this year, following a very successful event in Derry~Londonderry last year”.
John McGrillen, Chief Executive Tourism NI, launches the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards to be held at Enniskillen Castle on the 18 May 2017.
“Fermanagh has stunning scenery, world class food, drink, attractions and accommodation, and a unique heritage to share with visitors. As such it has an important role to play in the future of our tourism industry. The intention is that the awards will shine a spotlight on all the county has to offer, while celebrating the wider achievements of the sector across Northern Ireland over the past twelve months”.
“The Northern Ireland Tourism Awards are about recognising very best practice within the local industry, and Tourism NI is keen to encourage businesses of all sizes and shapes to enter and attempt to win recognition for their hard work, success stories and professionalism”.
Tanya Cathcart, Marketing Manager Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism, said: “We are delighted that the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards will be taking place in the Fermanagh Lakelands this year. It is the perfect opportunity to showcase the region and celebrate the very best of Northern Ireland’s tourism offerings at this prestigious event. Enniskillen Castle will provide a stunning venue and we are looking forward to welcoming the wider tourism industry to the area for this occasion”
Sean Darcy from First Trust Bank who are sponsoring the Hotel of the Year and Customer Service Awards, said: “First Trust Bank works with a wide range of companies in the tourism sector and we are continually impressed with the creative talent and commitment they bring to their businesses. As such, we are delighted to partner once more with Tourism NI and celebrate the achievements of those working in the sector, whose innovative practices are driving the success of NI’s tourism industry locally and on the world stage.”
The deadline for submitting entries is 5.00pm on Monday 6 February 2017. For full details on categories and how to enter please visit:
The Northern Ireland Tourism Awards categories are:
* Outstanding Visitor Experience
* Customer Service Excellence
* Hotel of the Year
* Self-Catering Award
* Guesthouse/B&B Award
* Unique Tourist Accommodation
* Best Food Tourism Experience
* Best Event or Festival Experience
* Best Marketing Initiative
* Sustainable Tourism Award
* Tourism Innovation Award
* Most Promising New Tourism Business.
