John McGrillen
Chief Executive, Tourism NI
It has been an extraordinary twelve months for tourism that has consolidated Northern Ireland’s position as a must-see visitor destination against a challenging economic and political backdrop and in an international marketplace that is crowded with other destinations, all clamouring for customers. The 148th Open at Royal Portrush in July 2019 renewed people’s sense of civic pride and made a significant contribution to our local economy. We also unveiled a new destination brand, Northern Ireland – Embrace a Giant Spirit, that has been universally well received, and achieved other successes such as the Taste the Island Programme and a wide range of conferences, expos and trade shows that have seen us showcasing Northern Ireland to thousands of international delegates.
The work of our industry has been beyond value and we believe it is vital that the people, places and organisations that contributed to this success continue to be rewarded. Our annual awards ceremony is about recognising the very best within our industry, and Tourism NI is keen to encourage businesses of all sizes to enter. Attempting to win recognition for your tourism product or service typically involves a review of performance and the identification of your core strengths. While this is never a wasted exercise, it also carries the potential to gain an independent and prestigious accolade for your tourism offering, professionalism and hard work. Achieving an award has been proven to bring business benefits, so if you’ve got a tourism product, service, team or individuals worthy of recognition then enter today.
Paddy McKenna
Manager, DIAGEO Northern Ireland
Diageo is delighted to be title sponsor of the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards 2020.
Through our customers and our world class brands, such as Guinness, Harp, Baileys and Smithwick’s, Diageo is synonymous with the tourism and hospitality industry in Northern Ireland. We are committed champions of the industry and believe the tourism offering in Northern Ireland is better than ever with an even brighter future ahead.
The Northern Ireland Tourism Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate all those individuals, businesses and initiatives that continue to shine the spotlight on Northern Ireland as a special place to visit on the tourism map. In doing so, they have demonstrated how important the sector is, and will continue to be, to the success of Northern Ireland economy. So, please take the time to get involved in this year’s awards and help us showcase the very best of tourism in Northern Ireland.
A word from our Sponsor
A word from our Sponsor
Paddy McKenna
Manager, DIAGEO Northern Ireland
We are extremely proud title sponsors of the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards. Our brands, including Guinness, Harp, Baileys and Smithwick’s, are synonymous with the hospitality and tourism industry and we are both committed and passionate in our support of the sector.
These Awards are an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the individuals, businesses and initiatives that have put Northern Ireland firmly on the tourism map and, in doing so, have proven to be significant economic drivers for the Northern Ireland economy at a time when we really need it. The innovation, drive and diversity of the sector is evident and we would encourage all those involved to take part in the awards and showcase the very best of tourism in Northern Ireland.
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