NI Tourism Industry's Hard Work Rewarded

Investment and hard work were praised at an awards ceremony for the developing tourism industry.

At the Grand Opera House in Belfast, the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards honoured tourism providers in eleven categories.

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said: "Northern Ireland is achieving something tremendously positive. We've seen substantial investment in infrastructure projects and important private sector-led developments including hotels, restaurants and other services. I fully recognise that those in the industry have worked extremely hard to forge new, dynamic and prosperous businesses that will benefit the visitor, the industry and ultimately the Northern Ireland economy."

The awards were organized by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) in conjunction with Diageo.

Michael McCann of Diageo said: "As the expectations of our visitors continue to rise, it is important that we recognise that we all have a role to play in the continued development of our tourism industry as a thriving part of a sustainable Northern Ireland economy."

NITB Chairman Howard Hastings said: "The Northern Ireland tourism industry has travelled far over the last number of years, and has much to celebrate. We now have a set of world-class tourism products, totally unique to us. The Titanic Festival alone included 120 events and we have much, much more to look forward to."

Winners:

Outstanding Contribution to Tourism - Lyric Theatre

Northern Ireland Heroes - Paula McFetridge, Kabosh

Best Event/Festival - Belfast Music Week 2011

Best Visitor Experience - Todds Leap

(NE)