Grow a tourism business

Attending events and winning awards are two effective ways of growing a business. Attending events can help you learn new skills that will allow you to improve your business performance or target customers more effectively, eg attending a social media masterclass. Awards raise the profile of your business and can distinguish you from your competitors. 

Tourism events in Northern Ireland

Tourism NI regularly run events designed to help the tourist industry grow and develop. Events will range from improving the skills of your workforce to advice on how to make the most of upcoming opportunities. See their upcoming events.

The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation also run industry development events such as the annual Hospitality Exchange. See their upcoming events.

Use the nibusinessinfo.co.uk Events Finder to search for a wide range of business events. The events are for many sectors, not just tourism. They cover topics like social media, equality and business growth.

Tourism awards in Northern Ireland

Winning awards is a good way of seeking recognition for your tourism business. Winning an award can set your business apart from your competitors. You can also benefit from the publicity you receive from winning the award. Some awards come with marks or standards. 

Tourism NI holds the Northern Ireland Giant Sprit Awards.

Your local council will probably hold an annual awards ceremony so check for a suitable category for your business to enter - customer service or perhaps a tourism specific award. See local council contact details in Northern Ireland. 

The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation run awards for the hotels sector, such as housekeeping and receptionist of the year. Check their latest news for information on upcoming awards.

Local restaurants can enter the Irish Restaurant Awards, which include a range of categories recognising excellence across the island of Ireland.