2013 is City’s chance to shine says Minister

Addressing guests, Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said that she was privileged to return as Tourism Minister to oversee Northern Ireland’s year of opportunity in 2012, the UK City of Culture title for Londonderry in 2013, as well as a host of other exciting tourism developments over the next two years. The Minister said: “2012 and 2013 will be our chance to shine. The opening of the world class Titanic visitor attraction and the state-of-the-art Giant’s Causeway centre, together with the UK City of Culture title in 2013 for Londonderry will give Northern Ireland huge competitive advantage. The challenge lies with all of us in the tourism sector to fully maximise the potential and really put Northern Ireland on the map.

Organised by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in partnership with Diageo Northern Ireland, the awards celebrate and showcase the best of local tourism, and the Minister said this year’s award winners were already leading the way in terms of quality, customer service and putting the visitor at the centre of everything they do. I am confident that with businesses and organisations such as these at the forefront of the industry, Northern Ireland tourism is poised to significantly contribute to the economy in the years ahead.”

Awards were presented in a variety of categories, and during the evening tributes were paid to the late Frank O’Neill, of the Londonderry Arms Hotel, Carnlough, who passed away in February this year.