Published on : Friday, June 1, 2018
The special anniversary event, arranged by Tourism NI in partnership with Diageo NI, took place at the Europa Hotel in Belfast, where the inaugural awards was organized for the first time in 1978.
Previous BBC newsreader and Belfast native Maxine Mawhinney presented the black-tie event which is at present regarded as the highlight of the tourism calendar.
One of the Causeway Coastal Route’s best-known spots, Bushmills Inn won NI’s Best Stay in the Hotel Category. Slowly with time, the traditional boutique hotel, soaked into the charm and history stood out amongst strong competition including the Merchant Hotel and Galgorm Resort and Spa.
Also, many local Causeway businesses were highly praised in a range of categories, like Blackrock House BB, receiving Highly Commended in NI’s Best Stay – Self-catering Category.
Sean McLaughlin of Fullerton Arms Guest House was applauded in the NI Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Category, as the Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive (Outdoor Recreation NI) was honored in the Most Promising Authentic NI Event Category.
The Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust ‘Artisans at Work’ project was praised in the Authentic NI Experience of the Year Category.
Initially titled the ‘British Airways Tourism Endeavour Awards,’ the annual event has identified thousands of local businesses over the years for their inspirational contribution to the tourism industry.