Minister of Transport, Tourism & Sport Shane Ross TD launched the Irish Tourism Industry Awards 2017.
The awards give recognition to and promote companies and organisations that have made significant contributions to Irish tourism and to increasing the number of visitors from overseas.
Speaking at the launch in the CHQ Building in Dublin today Minister Ross said: “I am delighted to launch the Irish Tourism Industry Awards. They celebrate all that is good in the Irish tourism industry.
“Tourism has performed extremely well in recent times. It is a key aspect of Ireland’s economy as it provides jobs and growth in all parts of the country. It is right that we acknowledge the people and companies that have helped promote tourism.”
The Irish Tourist Industry Confederation (ITIC) in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland is the organiser of the Irish Tourism Industry Awards. The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, 3rd February 2017 in the Doubletree by Hilton in Dublin.
The awards are a biennial event and there are 14 awards available in three main categories: International Initiatives, Tourism Innovations, and Tourism Experiences. Entries for the 2017 Awards can be made from today until November 18th at www.irishtourismindustryawards.ie.
Paul Gallagher, chairman of ITIC, said: “The Irish Tourism Industry Awards offer an opportunity to celebrate best-practice and excellence in our industry. Recent CSO figures show that employment in tourism has increased by a further 10,000 in the last 12 months – the industry continues to grow and provide jobs throughout the economy. Saying that we must continue pro-tourism policies and investment strategies to ensure sustainable growth. ”
The awards will encompass the many sectors and experiences of Ireland’s diverse tourism industry. Awards include: Best International Marketing Initiative, Best International Access Initiative, Best Leisure Tourism Innovation, Best Business Tourism Innovation, Best Environmental Tourism Innovation, Best Local Authority Tourism Innovation, Best
Innovative Place to Stay, Best Festival / Event Experience, Best Adventure Experience, Best Food & Beverage Experience, Best Cultural Experience.
The organisers have appointed an independent judging panel to select winners. The panel will be chaired by Maurice Pratt (Uniphar plc) and includes Philip Browne (IRFU), Noirin Hegarty (Lonely Planet), Marian O’Gorman (Kilkenny Group) and Simon McKeever (Exporters Association of Ireland)
