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Shortlist Revealed for Northern Ireland Tourism Awards

Tourism NI today unveiled the shortlist of nominations for the 2015 Northern Ireland Tourism Awards, in association with Tennent’s NI.

The sought-after awards, which recognise the outstanding performers in the tourism industry, will this year be presented over eleven different categories including two special awards.

A shortlist of 27, which includes four tourism providers that are up for an award in more than one category, plus nominees for two special awards, has been drawn up by a panel of judges.

Entries for the awards came in from all over Northern Ireland.

In what will be the highlight of the tourism calendar, the winners will be announced at a gala ceremony to be held on Thursday 14 May at the Sir William Whitla Hall at Queen’s University Belfast.

Commenting on the shortlist, Kathryn Thomson, Chief Operating Officer, Tourism NI, said: “A winning destination needs winning tourism providers and we’ve looked hard at what makes a successful provider and how we can reinforce Northern Ireland’s brand while stimulating innovation, competitiveness and shared best practice. Our shortlist completely reflects that.

“No matter how small or large the operation, all local businesses and organisations have a lead part to play in growing tourism in 2015 and beyond. Winning an award or receiving a commendation will no doubt be a welcome boost that will give opportunities for publicity, positive profiling and heightened credibility within the industry and, crucially, with customers.”

An Outstanding Contribution to Tourism and a Local Tourism Champion award will also be conferred at this year’s ceremony.

Commenting on his company’s inaugural association with the NI Tourism Awards, Brian Beattie, Marketing Director for Tennent’s NI, said, “We are proud to support Tourism Northern Ireland with this creative initiative to highlight, reward and encourage excellence right across our diverse and fast-growing tourism and hospitality sector.

“We know from our own business experience that excellence is borne of long hours, hard work and, above all, passion for your products and service. ‘Making the cut’ in these hotly contested and high profile awards is therefore a massive achievement in itself and we offer our congratulations to all those who have been shortlisted: they are indeed a ‘who’s who’ of tourism talent.”

Balloo Inns Limited, County Down

Beech Hill Country House, County Londonderry

Causeway Hotel, County Antrim

Circuit of Ireland Rally, County Antrim

City Hotel Derry, County Londonderry

Derry City Council

Dunamoy Cottages and Spa, County Antrim

Fermanagh Self-Catering, County Fermanagh

Finn Lough, County Fermanagh

Vauxhall International North West 200, County Antrim

James St South/Bar+Grill/Hadskis/Cookery School, Belfast

Jurys Inn, Belfast

Lough Neagh Partnership, County Londonderry

National Trust, County Antrim

Newforge House, County Armagh

Open House Festival, County Down

Orchard Acre Farm, County Fermanagh

Game of Thrones Winterfell Tours, County Down

Rayanne House, County Down

Shola Coach House, County Antrim

Streamvale Farm, Belfast

The Bushmills Inn, County Antrim

The MAC, Belfast

Titanic Belfast, Belfast

Tory Bush Cottages, County Down

Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, Belfast

Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, Belfast