Norfolkline Irish Sea is highly commended for Marketing Initiatives

Despite the current economic challenges, the role of tourism in Northern Ireland is stronger than ever.

That was the message from Tourism Minister Arlene Foster as she addressed 340 local tourism representatives at the annual Northern Ireland Tourism Awards (NITA) in the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum.

Organised by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in association with Diageo Northern Ireland, the NITA are now into their 31st year.

Arlene Foster said: "It is very encouraging to see a growing number of visitors coming to Northern Ireland from our close to home markets. In 2008, the level of holidaymakers arriving from the Republic of Ireland rose by 26%, with 367,000 trips being made. Tourism revenue in that year also increased, by 16%, to almost £50 million."

Congratulating the winners of the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards the Minister said: "As we all strive towards building Northern Ireland as a must-see world class destination, this evening is an opportunity to celebrate the success and achievements of our local tourism industry.

"Now is the time to build on our successes, and take advantage of the value for money, quality visitor experience that Northern Ireland offers our increasing numbers of visitors.

"We must ensure that those who choose to come to Northern Ireland for business or pleasure, will seek to return in the future. However, continued success can only be achieved through partnership and a coordinated approach across all organisations, in both public and private sectors.

"By working together to improve what we have on offer, we can constantly evolve as a destination and cater to meet the demands of our visitors from near and far."

Norfolkline Irish Sea Ferry Services were commended under the Marketing Initiative category for efforts in e-marketing, creative design and customer service.  Elaine Jackson, Sales & Marketing Co-ordinator at Norfolkline Irish Sea and Peter Higgins from Walker Communications accepted the award on behalf of Norfolkline.  Paul O’Toole, Tourism Ireland and Kathryn Thomson, Northern Ireland Tourist Board presented the award.

Speaking at the ceremony, NITB Chairman Howard Hastings said: "I am proud of the ever increasing standards in tourism right across Northern Ireland and would like to extend my congratulations to all the winners here this evening.

"While this may have been a more challenging year economically right across the industry, our world class hospitality and visitor attractions are encouraging visitors to arrive. NITB has been supporting the industry by creating innovative and targeted campaigns to create maximum impact, both within the domestic and Republic of Ireland markets.

"The high calibre of our entries and our outstanding winners show that standards right across tourism are constantly rising. We are always striving to deliver quality visitor experiences which are unique and succeed in setting Northern Ireland apart from any other destination.