A few weeks ago we got the exciting news that we had been named as finalists in the 2023 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards. While we have won many specialist tourism awards (including UK Tour Guide of the Year), this was the first time we have ever been shortlisted for a business award, so last night we put on our tuxes and went to the awards ceremony at Belfast’s Crowne Plaza. We knew the competition was stiff, but that has never held us back – and besides, any excuse for a night out!
As you can see from the photo above, our guides Paul Donnelly, James Ellson, Gabe Nelson and Steve Malone all arrived looking the part. However special mention goes to our lead guide Paul who looked particularly smooth and suave!
There were a total of 18 awards and we were 15th to be announced, so a long and tense wait after dinner ensued. Luckily we had BBC NI’s Mark Simpson hosting the event so we were kept well entertained! Finally our category was up….the tension was killing us….
OK we didn’t win. But we were beaten by Hastings Hotels, the hotel chain which includes the Culloden, the Europa and the Grand Central Hotel – yes, that’s where Joe Biden stayed on his recent visit to Belfast. We knew the competition was absolutely fearsome this year so to be honest, being named as finalists was a huge accolade for us. So congratulations to all the finalists and winners, we hope you all enjoyed yourselves as much as we did. And there’s always next year….
You can read full coverage of the award ceremony plus a list of all the winners in this year’s Belfast Telegraph Business Awards in the Belfast Telegraph.
