16th Oct 2006: The Airshow Soars to Success at Northern Ireland Travel and Tourism Awards
Friday 13th turned out to be a lucky day for Coleraine Borough Council, who picked up the prestigious Northern Ireland Travel and Tourism award for 'Best NI Event - Marketing Initiative' for the NI International Airshow 2006. The ceremony at the Slieve Donard Hotel paid tribute to the best in the tourism and travel business, including airlines, tour operators and marketing companies.
Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor William King MBE was proud to accept the sought-after honour: "The Airshow celebrated its fifth birthday this year and was the most spectacular ever thanks to magnificent displays by teams such as the Red Arrows, the Blades, the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Utterly Butterly wing walkers. The event attracted upwards of 300,000 spectators and was one of the most popular of the entire year. The site at West Bay, Portrush is a natural amphitheatre and a perfect venue for an airshow and we are pleased with the overall development of the show and the public response. Thanks must go to Kellys Portrush, the Northern Ireland Events Company and all other sponsors and supporters, in particular show organiser Jeff Brownhut. I am also delighted that Barry's of Portrush won the NI Special Achievement Award and the Giant's Causeway took the award for Best NI Visitor Attraction and would like to offer my congratulations to our colleagues in the tourism field. This type of recognition is good news for the Causeway Coast area."
The awards ceremony was hosted by TV and radio personality Angela Rippon, and soap badboy Cain Dingle - actor Jeff Hordley - was on hand to present the accolades. A total of 25 awards were handed over in four categories with the methods of determining winners varying from reader votes to anonymous assessments and judging panels. Leisure Services Officer, Alex Carmichael, is delighted that the high-flying event has been rewarded: "Thanks to Brian Oagle, Editor of the Northern Ireland Travel News, for holding these awards. The Airshow weekend is always very entertaining and marks a high point of our summer events programme. It is made even more special because viewing is free for all the family and there really is something for everyone. The large audiences the show attracts generate significant business for our tourism and hospitality sector in the beautiful setting of the North Coast. This award is great recognition for the events team who work so hard to develop the reputation of the Airshow, especially Events Assistant Paul Gallagher, who was heavily involved in the organisation of the event. A special mention must also go to the Emergency Services for their valuable contribution over the Airshow weekend."