Irish Ferries, The Low Fares Ferry Company, last night received its second major travel trade award in a month, when the European categories of the World Travel Awards were announced in Newcastle.

Irish Ferries was voted ‘Best Ferry Operator' on the Irish Sea by travel trade across the UK, in Ireland and the rest of Europe. The company operates three routes between Ireland and Europe: Dublin/Holyhead, Rosslare/Pembroke and Rosslare/Cherbourg.

The World Travel Awards - dubbed the ‘oscars' of the travel industry - are in their 14th year and recognise excellence in the tourism industry on a global scale. This is the first time that a WTA ceremony has been held in Europe and 300 invited guests from 19 different countries were at the awards in Newcastle 9 on October.

Head of passenger sales, Declan Mescall said: "To be recognised by agents on both sides of the Irish Sea - and in Europe - for the excellence of our ships and service is hugely satisfying."

The World Travel Award comes hot on the heels of Irish Ferries being judged 'Best Ferry Operator' in the Travel Trade Gazette awards on 13 September.