Global recognition for Food NI’s outstanding Year of Food and Drink
The Food NI driven Year of Food and Drink in 2016 has been shortlisted for the Best Food Destination category in the prestigious International Travel and Tourism Awards.
The Year of Food and Drink campaign, the first to be held in Northern Ireland, is among just four regions shortlisted for the important award.
Michele Shirlow, Food NI chief executive, said: “It’s a tremendous achievement to be shortlisted in this global competition. Our year-long focus on food and drink has gained recognition for Northern Ireland as a destination for great food and drink, an important aspect of tourism.
“Our Year of Food and Drink was a hugely successful initiative which was supported by public and private sector bodies and united the wider community in showcasing the quality, innovation and variety of food and drink processors and the hospitality sector.”
More than 70 nominations were lodged for all 13 categories in the awards which celebrates the very best of travel and tourism on a global scale, recognising the outstanding successes of destinations, tourist boards, private sector companies and individuals.
The winners will be announced to an audience of more than 500 leading industry figures – including government ministers – during a prestigious awards ceremony at London’s Grade I-listed Tobacco Dock not far from WTM London’s ExCeL venue on November 6
A distinguished panel of independent judges assessed the first tranche of categories and the contenders. Paul Nelson, International Travel & Tourism Awards co-founder, said: “We have been delighted with both the volume and quality of the entries for the International Travel & Tourism Awards.
“Entries were submitted from countries right across the world – from destinations as diverse as Toronto, Zagreb, Jordan and Northern Ireland – and they demonstrate how tourism is playing a vital role in the economies of different cities and regions.
“Our judges have been greatly impressed by the exceptional quality of entries, and those who are on the shortlist know they have reached a very high standard – they will be among the best in the world.”
The International Travel & Tourism Awards, presented by WTM London, is unique event that recognises the success of national, regional and city tourist boards as well as outstanding private sector companies and individuals.
The awards feature 13 categories, with twelve judged by an independent panel of leading experts and senior figures in each sector. The final award for outstanding contribution to the industry nominated by WTM London Media Partners will be the ultimate finale to these show-stopping awards, which will take place at a glittering awards ceremony in London.
