Derry date for tourism awards
The beautifully restored St. Columb’s Hall in Londonderry was the setting recently for the N Tourism Awards, were trophies were handed out in 14 categories, including two special awards.
The Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award was made to Dr Howard Hastings OBE, managing director of Hastings Hotels, and who held a widely praised six-year tenure as the chair of the former Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
And Mary Blake, a highly respected tourism development officer with Derry City and Strabane District Council lifted the Local Tourism Hero award.
In attendance at the annual event this year was First Minister, Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness as well as a strong cross-section of Northern Ireland tourism and hospitality sectors.
Entertainment was provided by Titanic Drums and John Anderson’s Voices of Ireland.
Our picture above shows Stephen Meldrum of Slieve Donard Resort & Spa (third from left) accepting the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award on behalf of Howard Hastings. Included are Terence Brannigan, Tourism NI chairman; Martin McGuinness, Deputy First Minister; Arlene Foster, First Minister and Brian Beattie from overall sponsor, Tennents NI.
