Tourism Northern Ireland supports World Luxury Awards 2024

Considered the pinnacle of recognition for the global luxury hospitality industry, it is the second time the high-profile event has been hosted by the venue.

Last week, a first awards ceremony took place at the Ayana Resort & Spa in Bali with Galgorm Resort chosen as the European host, staging a second awards event on Saturday night.

The event attracted more than 200 guests including VIPs, luxury hotel, spa and restaurant owners from countries around the world as well as international media.

Both gala evenings underscored the World Luxury Awards' commitment to recognising and rewarding excellence in the luxury industry while also providing a platform for industry leaders to showcase their achievements, share their stories and inspire others.

As part of the wider awards, Tourism Northern Ireland also supported a destination event on Friday night.

In a bid to showcase the region’s rich tourism offering, attendees visiting Northern Ireland for the awards ceremony were invited to visit Titanic Belfast and Belfast Distillery Company - McConnell's Irish Whisky to sample local produce, enjoy authentic entertainment and experience the region’s famous giant welcome.

Colin Johnston, Managing Director of Galgorm Resort, said: “This event has truly highlighted what our region can offer, strengthening our commitment to promoting tourism and delivering exceptional experiences.

“We’re proud to have showcased Northern Ireland’s outstanding hospitality, further enhancing its reputation as a premier destination for international visitors.”

John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism Northern Ireland, who was among the guest speakers at the awards ceremony at Galgorm Resort, said: “The World Luxury Awards 2024 taking place at Galgorm Resort, along with the associated destination event, were wonderful opportunities for Northern Ireland to show what it has to offer to the luxury hospitality market worldwide.

"The last time the awards were hosted at Galgorm Resort in 2018, attendees stayed an average of five days in the region and it is anticipated it will be the same this time around.

"Having so many luxury operators from around the world visit Northern Ireland gives the region the opportunity to shine as the sustainable, inclusive and innovative year-round world-class destination that it is.”