NI Tourism Awards celebrate 40th anniversary

By Chloe St John

The Northern Ireland Tourism Awards have had their 40th anniversary ceremony.

The special event was organised by Tourism NI in association with Diageo NI.

It took place yesterday at the Europa Hotel in Belfast.

This year's winners are as follows:

Authentic NI Experience of the Year [Sponsored by Diageo NI]  

Winner: The Museum of Free Derry

Best International Experience [Sponsored by Tourism Ireland]

Winner: Titanic Belfast World Travel Award, Titanic Belfast

NI's Best Stay - Guesthouse / B&B      

Winner: Water's Edge, Glenarm

NI's Best Stay – Hotel [Sponsored by First Trust Bank]    

Winner: Bushmills Inn

NI's Best Stay - Self Catering [Sponsored by Hoseasons]            

Winner: Spice Cottages

Most Impactful Digital Innovation Award       

Winner: Night Ride to Armagh: A Digital Transformation, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council

NI Food & Drink Experience of the Year [Sponsored by DWF]     

Winner: Slow Food Festival, Derry City and Strabane District Council

Best NI Event or Festival Experience (International) [Sponsored by Tourism Ireland]         

Winner: Derry Halloween, Derry City and Strabane District Council

Most Promising Authentic NI Event or Festival Experience         

Winner: Armagh Georgian Festival 2017, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council

NI Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year [Sponsored by Ulster University Business School]  

Winner: Chris Wilson - Streamvale Open Farm

NI Tourism Heritage Property of the Year      

Winner: Crumlin Road Gaol

Tourism Hero          

Winner: Caitriona Lavery, Hastings Hotels

Outstanding Contribution to Tourism  

Winner: Bill Wolsey, Beannchor Group 

Speaking at the event, Tourism NI Chairman, Terence Brannigan, said:

“Northern Ireland’s attractiveness as a tourist destination has come a long way in the last three or four decades. When you compare today with 1978, the step changes that have happened in our industry cannot be missed nor underestimated. In the last six years in particular the sector has performed consistently well.

“Today we are Lonely Planet’s Best Region in the World to visit in 2018 and we are preparing to host The Open Championship in 2019, the most prestigious golf event on the planet. 

“Tourism is now one of the largest, locally owned, internationally traded sectors of our economy, supporting 60,000 jobs either directly or indirectly and offering Northern Ireland one of its best opportunities for economic growth.

“Considering the challenges that the industry has faced over the last 40 years, the achievements have been nothing short of immense.”

Jorge Lopes, Country Director, Diageo NI said: “What a fantastic evening for the tourism and hospitality industry in Northern Ireland.  The Awards really served to highlight the significant strides the industry has made over the last four decades and Diageo is very proud to be a part of that journey.  Congratulations to all the winners, indeed to everyone shortlisted for awards. I think we can feel extremely positive and excited about the future oftourism in Northern Ireland.”