Northern Ireland Tourism Awards 2011 Shortlist & Details

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board today revealed the shortlist for the 2011 Northern Ireland Tourism Awards in Association with Diageo NI, after receiving almost 140 entries. The awards will be presented at a gala black-tie dinner evening to be held at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, Belfast, on Thursday 26 May 2011.

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 33rd ceremony and two new categories have been introduced ‘Tourism Partnership Initiative’ and ‘New Tourism Project’. 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 26th 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.”

Getting ready for NITA 2011 at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast on 26th May are:

Carolyn Boyd, NITB, Boris the Bellboy and Clare Strawson from Diageo NI

The Awards 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

Individual place tickets are priced at £75 (plus VAT is £90)

Tables for 10 are discounted if booked before before 1 May

The gala evening offers exceptional value and ticket prices are the same as last year.
The ticket price includes:

• pre-dinner drinks reception;
• wine with dinner;
• dinner featuring the very best of Northern Ireland's produce;
• exciting menu prepared by one of Northern Ireland's top chefs;
• awards presentation ceremony;
• entertainment.

Good luck to all those up for an award and we look forward some day to an All-Ireland Tourism Award Ceremony. "A Rising Tide lifts All Boats!

 

Note: The Full Details of the Winners for all the categories in the Northern Ireland Tourism AwardsCeremony can now be seen here at www.nitourismawards.org