Lough Neagh Partnership delighted to make the NI Tourism Awards shortlist

Fisherman Eamon Moore from Glenavy demonstrates his skills at the River to Lough Festival

The organisation, which works hard to promote and attract visitors to the UK’s largest inland lake, made the cut off the back of last year’s pilot festival - River to Lough.

The event, which was organised in partnership with the Lough Neagh Fisherman’s Co-operative Society, was hailed a huge success with thousands of people turning out to sample the ‘eel thing’.

One of 27 organisations from across Northern Ireland to have made the shortlist, LNP will be carrying the torch for Co Tyrone.

A poster for the Rover to Lough Festival 2014

Eimear Kearney, Marketing Officer for Lough Neagh Partnership told the Mail she is delighted with the news.

“To be shortlisted for the project is a huge compliment,” she said, “our festival was run on an incredibly tight budget, which goes to show, you don’t need a big budget to have big impact!

“We had a fantastic team working on the project and it is nice to be recognised for our efforts.”

The Northern Ireland Tourism Awards will take place at the Sir William Whitla Hall at Queen’s University Belfast on May 14.

LNP will go head to head with organisations such as The MAC, Titanic and the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s.

The sought-after awards recognise the outstanding performers in the tourism industry, and this year will be presented over eleven different categories including two special awards.

Speaking about the awards, Kathryn Thomson, Chief Operating Officer at Tourism NI, said: “A winning destination needs winning tourism providers and we’ve looked hard at what makes a successful provider and how we can reinforce Northern Ireland’s brand while stimulating innovation, competitiveness and shared best practice. Our shortlist completely reflects that.

“No matter how small or large the operation, all local businesses and organisations have a lead part to play in growing tourism in 2015 and beyond. Winning an award or receiving a commendation will no doubt be a welcome boost that will give opportunities for publicity, positive profiling and heightened credibility within the industry and, crucially, with customers.”