Derry recognised at tourism awards

Two Derry tourism initiatives have received accolades at the 25th Northern Ireland Tourism Awards.

Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival was the winner of the Event of the Year award while the Walled City Cultural Trail received a high commendation in the Area Tourism Initiative category.

NITB’s Chairman, Tom McGrath said: “The last quarter of a century has brought many changes and even more challenges. Experience has shown that whatever the situation, the Northern Ireland tourism industry will roll up its sleeves and get on with it. The awards ceremony is a means of applauding this commitment, dedication and achievement that is associated with everyone in the tourism sector.”

Receiving the Event of the Year award for the Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival, on behalf of the city, Deputy Mayor Councillor Mary Hamilton said it was a "great achievement for everyone involved".

“The Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival is a fantastic event," she said.

"It is the longest running Hallowe’en Carnival in Ireland and has established the city as the place to be at Hallowe’en. It attracts upwards of 30,000 visitors per year and makes significant economic contribution to the accommodation, pub and retail sectors. This award is a tremendous recognition for everyone involved in making it such a success and it is a great honour to be acknowledged in this way at the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards.”

Karen Houlahan, Sales Executive with the Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau said: "It is a great achievement for the City to receive two awards and I am particularly delighted that the Walled City Cultural Trail has been acknowledged in this way. This is a new initiative for the city and the award is a positive reflection of all the hard work and goodwill that has been involved in making the trail such an outstanding success. This year we had over 7,000 visitors using the trail and we hope to build further upon this success.”

The Walled City Cultural Trail is a joint initiative between Derry City Council, Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau and the cultural providers and venues in the city. This year it received sponsorship from the Ulster Scots Agency, Tower Hotel, Foyleside and Coey Advertising.

(GMcG)