Shortlist Revealed for Northern Ireland Tourism Awards
Tourism NI today unveiled the shortlist of nominations for the 2015 Northern Ireland Tourism Awards, in association with Tennent’s NI.
The sought-after awards, which recognise the outstanding performers in the tourism industry, will this year be presented over eleven different categories including two special awards.
A shortlist of 27, which includes four tourism providers that are up for an award in more than one category, plus nominees for two special awards, has been drawn up by a panel of judges.
Entries for the awards came in from all over Northern Ireland.
In what will be the highlight of the tourism calendar, the winners will be announced at a gala ceremony to be held on Thursday 14 May at the Sir William Whitla Hall at Queen’s University Belfast.
Commenting on the shortlist, Kathryn Thomson, Chief Operating Officer, Tourism NI, said: “A winning destination needs winning tourism providers and we’ve looked hard at what makes a successful provider and how we can reinforce Northern Ireland’s brand while stimulating innovation, competitiveness and shared best practice. Our shortlist completely reflects that.
“No matter how small or large the operation, all local businesses and organisations have a lead part to play in growing tourism in 2015 and beyond. Winning an award or receiving a commendation will no doubt be a welcome boost that will give opportunities for publicity, positive profiling and heightened credibility within the industry and, crucially, with customers.”
An Outstanding Contribution to Tourism and a Local Tourism Champion award will also be conferred at this year’s ceremony.
Commenting on his company’s inaugural association with the NI Tourism Awards, Brian Beattie, Marketing Director for Tennent’s NI, said, “We are proud to support Tourism Northern Ireland with this creative initiative to highlight, reward and encourage excellence right across our diverse and fast-growing tourism and hospitality sector.
“We know from our own business experience that excellence is borne of long hours, hard work and, above all, passion for your products and service. ‘Making the cut’ in these hotly contested and high profile awards is therefore a massive achievement in itself and we offer our congratulations to all those who have been shortlisted: they are indeed a ‘who’s who’ of tourism talent.”
Balloo Inns Limited, County Down
Beech Hill Country House, County Londonderry
Causeway Hotel, County Antrim
Circuit of Ireland Rally, County Antrim
City Hotel Derry, County Londonderry
Derry City Council
Dunamoy Cottages and Spa, County Antrim
Fermanagh Self-Catering, County Fermanagh
Finn Lough, County Fermanagh
Vauxhall International North West 200, County Antrim
James St South/Bar+Grill/Hadskis/Cookery School, Belfast
Jurys Inn, Belfast
Lough Neagh Partnership, County Londonderry
National Trust, County Antrim
Newforge House, County Armagh
Open House Festival, County Down
Orchard Acre Farm, County Fermanagh
Game of Thrones Winterfell Tours, County Down
Rayanne House, County Down
Shola Coach House, County Antrim
Streamvale Farm, Belfast
The Bushmills Inn, County Antrim
The MAC, Belfast
Titanic Belfast, Belfast
Tory Bush Cottages, County Down
Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, Belfast
Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, Belfast
