First Minister, Arlene Foster, and Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness have commended the winners of the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards at a ceremony held in Derry tonight.
They were among an audience of 300 attending the event in St Columb's Hall, which recognised a total of 39 outstanding performers in the local tourism industry.
Ms Foster said the event rewarded hard-working and innovative tourism providers and stakeholders.
She added “I commend everyone here this evening for the contribution you make to the Northern
“We are fortunate to have such a range of outstanding and high-calibre award winners here tonight and this gives me great confidence that the Northern Ireland tourism product is well equipped to compete on a global stage.
“It is only right that we celebrate and showcase all that is good about this vibrant sector. I am proud to share our attractions and our culture, heritage and traditions with visitors from near and far.”
Mr McGuinness said: “In recent years there has been a tourism transformation with 2.3million visitors to the north in 2015. This is the highest number on record and a 5% increase on 2014.
“The success and progress to date has been the result of a huge collective effort. I commend and congratulate everyone in the tourism industry for their contribution. People working in the tourism industry don’t just provide services and hospitality they create experiences and memories. Visitors turn to them when they arrive or want advice on what to do when they are here.
“Given the immense economic, social and cultural benefits it is an important element of the new Programme for Government. We must continue to sell our tourism proposition on the global stage. The more visitors we attract the more job opportunities this will sustain and create.
“Tonight is a fantastic opportunity for everybody to see and appreciate the tremendous work of our tourism sector.
"All those nominated and receiving awards tonight should be rightly proud of the key role they play in this vital sector.”
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