All the Results

THE magnificent Slieve Donard Resort and Spa was the setting for the 16th Northern Ireland Travel and Tourism Awards recently - and stunning October weather added to the occasion.

For the first time the blue riband event of the travel and tourism industry had more than one sponsor - indeed there were six different companies each of whom sponsored a different section in the 26 category 'field.'

Stena Line, Royal Caribbean International, Attraction World, bmi, Keith Prowse Attraction Tickets and Blue Insurances were the companies which contributed substantially to yet another successful gala - indeed common conscensus was that it was the Best 'Awards' yet.

Almost 450 guests enjoyed another night of excitement, entertainment, drama and good company in a celebration party which lasted well into the next morning.

The ultra-professional Angela Rippon was Master of Ceremonies once again while guest after-dinner speaker was the excellent Scottish comedian Fred MacAulay.

Oasis Travel staff had reason to celebrate and party more than most, with the company winning the Tyrone Crystal World Globe for the Travel Agent of the Year for the fifth time in 16 years of the Awards. No other travel agent has won the trophy more than once - testament to the consistent quality of the Lisburn-based business run by Sandra Corkin and her team.

It was also a great night for Belfast International Airport, winning the Northern Ireland Special Achievement Award in recognition of its outstanding growth in the last year - culminating in convincing Aer Lingus to set up its UK base at Aldergrove.

The Award for the Best Event/Marketing Initiative was won by the two-day November Northern Ireland Festival of Racing at Down Royal while Belfast Zoo won the Best NI Visitor Attraction accolade for the first time.

In the various travel categories, it was an outstanding night for Falcon Holidays which won Best Package Operator as well as picking up the prize for the Best Sales Support team.

Debbie Abbott of Jet2 won the Northern Ireland Travel Personality Award in recognition of her work in establishing the low-cost operator as a serious competitor to the already established airlines operating from the Province.

Travelcare won the award for the Best Multiple while two well known members of the Trade were added to the Travel industry's Roll of Honour - Ian Slaughter and Will Dunlop.