Diane Poole, General Manager - Passenger with DFDS Seaways - Irish Sea Ferries awarded O.B.E.

Poul Woodall, Route Director for DFDS Seaways Irish Sea Services has paid tribute and congratulated Diane Poole, General Manager - Passenger with DFDS Seaways and one of the most highly respected figures within the Northern Ireland Tourism Industry, on being awarded the O.B.E. for services to tourism, in the New Year’s Honours List.

Poul commented, “Diane is not only an asset to the local tourist industry, she is a great promoter for the travel industry. On top of that she is very dedicated to her family and a true friend and colleague. To those of us who know her, it is without doubt this honour is truly well deserved”.

Diane started her career in travel and tourism with Northern Ireland Railways, where as she progressed through the organisation, developing the student market, driving the growth and development of sales in the executive service on the Dublin-Belfast service, introducing the Senior Citizens £1 travel anywhere fare and was also involved in the Peace Train initiative to Dublin. She was also responsible for developing NIR Travel – an ABTA licensed Travel Agent, growing and developing the business into a successful and profitable operation, specialising in travel into and from Europe by rail.

In 1992, she joined SeaCat, who pioneered fast craft travel on the Irish Sea. Her commitment, dedication and professionalism in developing that business saw her rise quickly to become Commercial Manager for all Irish Sea operations. Her vision and commitment to developing customer services and ease of access to and from Northern Ireland meant that when the managing company acquired the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, she was given responsibility for the growth and development of all Irish Sea Commercial Operations, and was involved in assisting with the growth and development of the Isle of Man tourism sector. In 1998, Diane returned to Northern Ireland, where she was appointed General Manager of all Northern Ireland routes.

During this time, she became a member of Skal, the international Travel and Tourism organisation, and again her commitment to the organisation and promoting Northern Ireland on the World stage, saw her rise quickly to gain the honour of becoming the first ever female president, a position she held for two years.

Diane Poole was voted by the Travel and Tourism Industry as the most outstanding personality of the Year, and shortly after was appointed as Chairman of the Regional Tourist Organisation – The Causeway Coast and Glens, a position she still holds today making her the longest ever Chair. (10 years). The organisation under her Chair, promotes the Causeway Coast throughout the world.

In recognising her unique talent and total commitment to Northern Ireland and in particular the Travel and Tourism and voluntary sector, she has been honoured with a number of important positions within Northern Ireland. She was a member of the development committee for the Northern Ireland Tourist Board responsible for delivering the Strategic Framework for Tourism in Northern Ireland and was Chair of the Northern Ireland committee of ‘Sea Northern Ireland 2005, celebrating Northern Ireland’s relationship with the sea, as well as a committee member with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce. She was also appointed as a board member of the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau, a position she still holds today and following her Chairmanship of the Special Olympics World Games committee, she appointed to the board of Best Buddies International.

In 2005, she was honoured by the Travel and Tourism Industry with the award for the most outstanding individual contribution to Tourism in Northern Ireland.

In 2005, she was appointed to a new position within Norse Merchant Ferries (now Norfolkline) as Director of Passenger Services, where she has spearheaded the development of passenger sales on the important Belfast/Dublin/Liverpool routes. Working closely with Tourism Ireland, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the Regional Tourism Partnerships, has resulted in significant growth in inward tourism and has seen developments in coach and tour operator business.

Diane Poole has also been very involved in charity work and in particular with people with learning difficulties. She was a member of the World Special Olympics Board (NI) which helped raise over £1.4million towards bringing the world games to Ireland in 2003 – the first time the games had ever been held outside the U.S.A. At that time, 7000 Special Olympics athletes from 700 countries took part in the athletics and social activities.

There is no doubt that Diane Poole has made an immense contribution to Travel and Tourism in Northern Ireland and no doubt, that she will continue to develop and promote Northern Ireland throughout the World in the future.

Diane Poole is pictured with her son, Jordan after she was awarded her OBE for ‘Services to Travel and Tourism’ from Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne at the recent investiture held at Buckingham Palace.