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The Slieve Gullion Forest Adventure Project has won the Tourism Partnership Award in the NI Tourist Board Tourism Awards run in partnership with Diageo NI.
The EU funded development scheme was opened last summer and the project was led by Newry and Mourne District Council after the Forestry Service agreed to lease a portion of their land at the Slieve Gullion Forest Park to the Council.
The facilities have been extremely popular with visitors of all ages and together with the new Grounded Slieve Guilion premises marks the long awaited revitalisation of the entire Slieve Gullion area with a new trail also adding to the lure of the mythical mountain.
Over 30 businesses, initiatives and events were awarded for their contribution to tourism at the annual gala ceremony which celebrates and showcases the very best of Northern Ireland's local tourism industry.
Organised by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in partnership with Diageo Northern Ireland, the tourism awards cover a total of 10 categories and three special awards.
There was an extra edge to this year's ceremony as it reflected the successes and achievements of 2012, a massive year for tourism as a result of the ni2012 campaign.
Speaking at the event, Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said:"Tonight we can applaud the best in tourism and all that is great about our industry after what I believe was one the most significant years in its history.
"There is no doubt that ni2012 moved tourism into a key position in the Northern Ireland economy. Its legacy is a firm foundation that we can build on and use to increase our future prosperity. Its success is something that we have all created and it is something in which we can all share tonight.
"As Tourism Minister, one of my priorities is to make sure we keep the momentum going. Through the high-profile events that are coming up in 2013 we are creating further opportunities for tourism and I am sure everyone in the industry will be doing everything possible to take advantage of them."
Awards were presented in a variety of categories, including Best Event or Festival, Taste of Northern Ireland and Best Visitor Experience.
The 2012 Irish Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club, which was the first European Tour event in history to sell out, won the coveted title of Best Event or Festival.
In the Local Tourism Hero category, which acknowledges an individual’s involvement and impact on local tourism, the award went to Martin McCrossan of City Tours in Derry~Londonderry.
Stena Line, which recently completed a £4.6million refurbishment on its ships on the Liverpool to Belfast route and has invested heavily in the Port of Belfast, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Titanic Belfast which has welcomed over 800,000 visitors from over 128 countries since its opening last year and exceeded visitor number expectations received Outstanding Contribution to Tourism.
Other award winners included the Tara Lodge on the north Antrim coast, which scooped best Non Serviced Accommodation, The Brewer's House in Donaghmore, which won the Taste of Northern Ireland category, and Belfast Zoo, which grabbed the award for Best Visitor Experience.
NITB Chairman Howard Hastings said: “The big lesson of ni2012 is that we have demonstrated on a global platform that we can successfully open world-class attractions and we can run spectacular events. And in delivering on this we can all work together and do so with pride. From a confident vantage point, we can therefore look ahead to 2013 and to 2014 where there are many more opportunities for Northern Ireland to shine and for tourism to prosper."
Paddy McKenna of Diageo, sponsors of the awards for the fifth year in a row, said: “Diageo Northern Ireland is delighted to continue to support the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards. The tourism sector continues to have an increasingly important role in our future economic success and I believe there is tremendous potential for growth.
"This evening's winners are the key to continued success and the future development of our tourism industry and so deserve our whole-hearted congratulations."
An audience of over 300 people were entertained by Conor Scott, Belfast’s busiest busker who is currently featuring on BBC 1's 'The Voice' talent show.
He was joined on stage by the ARCO String Quartet comprising members of the Ulster Orchestra, the Derry~Londonderry based Colmcille Pipe Band, and Saffyre, a trio from County Down who will be supporting Van Morrison on his forthcoming world tour.
Winners
Best Event/Festival
Winner – The Irish Open – The European Tour
Highly commended –Circuit of Ireland Rally
Commended – International North West 200
Commended – Hillsborough International Oyster Festival
Best Visitor Experience
Winner – Belfast Zoological Gardens
Highly commended – Titanic Belfast
Commended – Giant’s Causeway Visitors Centre
Hotel Accommodation
Winner – Galgorm Resort and Spa
Highly commended – The Merchant Hotel
Commended – Walsh’s Hotel
Marketing and Sales Excellence
Winner – The MAC
Highly commended – Titanic Belfast
Commended – City of Derry Airport
Taste of Northern Ireland
Winner – The Brewer's House
Highly commended – Balloo House
Commended – Dundrum Inn
Serviced Accommodation
Winner – Rayanne House
Highly commended – Belmore Court & Motel
Commended – Dromard House
Non Serviced Accommodation
Winner – Tara Lodge
Highly commended – Chestnutt Holiday Parks
Commended – Fermanagh Self Catering
Tourism Partner Initiative
Winner – SlieveGullion Forest Adventure Project
Highly commended – Cruise Belfast
Best ni2012 Initiative
Winner –The Irish Open Legacy – Coleraine Borough Council
Highly commended – The Merchant Hotel
Commended – The Kitchen Bar
Customer Service Excellence
Winner – Clandeboye Lodge
Highly commended – Fool's Haven Thatched Cottage
Commended – NW Academy
Commended – Holiday Inn Express Antrim
Tourism Hero
Martin McCrossan, City Tours, Derry~Londonderry
Lifetime Achievement Award
Stena Line
Outstanding Contribution to Tourism
Titanic Belfast
