Awards given to hospitality high-fliers

The Island's best tourist accommodation and places to eat have been recognised at an awards ceremony.

The Taste Awards, run by the Department of Economic Development, are held annually.

Food and drink establishments can get a Highest Quality Assured, Quality Assured or Harvest Scheme Taste award under the scheme.

Accommodation providers can be given Silver, Gold and Breakfast Accolades.

This year, 16 hotels, bed and breakfasts and other places to stay won gold awards, while another 6 silver accolades were presented at a ceremony earlier this week.

Three accommodation providers received breakfast awards - and the Ballawhite Bed & Breakfast in Baldrine was the only business to win both a gold and breakfast prize.

24 taste accolades were given to food outlets, cafes and restaurants for highest quality assured with another 25 winning quality assured status.

Rob Callister MHK, departmental member responsible for tourism says it's important to recognise the hospitality industry for its hard work and the impression it makes on visitors.