Write a commentThe winners of the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards were announced in Belfast this week at a prestigious Awards Ceremony in the Grand Opera House.
The awards are organised by the NI Tourist Board in partnership with Diageo NI and out of the 11 Categories not one of them was Newry Bound.
Food for thought really.
Do we want to attract tourists or do we not?
If we do and we are led to believe that we do, what are we offering that's as good as or preferably better than our opposition towns and villages.
Newry still hasn't got an annual festival to attract people from around the country and beyond. Yes there's the Feis and the Drama Festival and they attract a lot of people but there is nothing that will appeal in some way to everyone in the City!
Warrenpoint has got the Blues on the Bay, Maiden of the Mournes, Tanglewood etc. Rostrevor has Fiddlers Green, Camlough has the Crooked Lake etc, Hilltown has the Boley Fair. All of these festivals have something in common - They were started by a few like minded people who eventually managed to attract the funding necessary to keep them going through an awful lot of hard work.
Yes I am being parochial here but why not. Warrenpoint isn't Newry, nor is Camlough.
Newry needs to shine on the local and international field in it's own right. Where are all the people that are going to make this happen? You can't just sit back and expect someone else to provide services/ Entertainment/ Facilities. You must be prepared to roll up your own sleeves. Our local authorities also have their part to play in encouraging and facilitating ideas with their time, expertise and financially.
What budget accommodation do we have here for tourists, ok I'll answer that myself - NONE! Armagh has it's Backpackers Hostel, why not Newry?
Name six things for visitors to do in Newry? Yes it's difficult. Newry Museum ok, Towpath/ Albert Basin ok, Churches/ Cathedral maybe. What else mmmmmm.
The entertainment economy seems to be doing will in attracting hen parties which is a credit to them. There's no reason why we couldn't get people coming to Newry in their droves just "for the craic" After all it happens in towns like Mulingar that don't have much in the line of natural attractions. All we need is to concentrate on one area and provide the acts and entertainment regularly, have an annual Trad Fest or a Jazz quarter. Remember Harry the Hat from the Cavern on Monday nights of all nights.
Of course there are glimmers of hope. There is talk of the Earwig Festival being resurrected and the Newry Rainbow Community are organising a Pride in Newry Concert in September
We are all in this together. If we want people to visit Newry and contribute to the local economy, now's the time to stand up. There are none of those 11 awards that a local business/ hotel/ bar/ group couldn't have won if they have the right product. Lets make 2013 the year the awards come to Newry!
For those who are interested here are a list of the winners of the Tourism Awards.
Outstanding Contribution to Tourism
Lyric Theatre
Northern Ireland Heroes
Paula McFetridge - Kabosh
Best Event/Festival
Belfast Music Week 2011, Belfast City Council Winner
Out to Lunch Arts Festival Highly Commended
St Patrick's Day Event at Slemish, Ballymena Borough Council Commended
The International Seed Federation (ISF) World Seed Congress 2011, Happening Conferences and Events Commended
Best Visitor Experience
Todds Leap Winner
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum / National Museums NI Highly Commended
Lyric Theatre Commended
The Jungle Commended
Hotel Accommodation
The Merchant Hotel Winner
Beech Hill Country House HotelHighly Commended
Walsh's Hotel Commended
Roe Park ResortCommended
Marketing and Sales Excellence
Belfast Zoological Gardens Winner
Stena Line Highly Commended
Todds Leap Commended
Taste of Northern Ireland
The Dundrum Inn Winner
The Lime Tree Restaurant Highly Commended
Pier 36Commended
The Brewer's House Commended
Serviced Accommodation
Causeway Lodge Winner
Rayanne HouseHighly Commended
Belmore Court and Motel Commended
Newforge House Commended
Non-Serviced Accommodation
Brookhall Historical Farm Winner
Victoria Apartments Highly Commended
Ballydougan Pottery Courtyard CottagesCommended
Rossahilly House Commended
Visitor Inspired
The Giant’s Causeway Visitor Facility, National Trust Winner
Belfast Zoological Gardens Highly Commended
Lyric Theatre Commended
Partner Initiative
Belmore Court and Motel Winner
Food NI Ltd Highly Commended
Patterns of the City - Belfast City Dressing Plan Campaign, Belfast City Council Commended
The Mourne Public Art Programme, Mourne Heritage Trust Commended
New Tourism Project
The LegenDerry RoadTrain Winner
Belfast City Bike Tours Highly Commended
