THE tourism and hospitality business in North Wales has been given a £50 million vote of confidence.
That’s the level of investment being put into new attractions and accommodation as the region prepares once more to celebrate the best of the best in the industry.
North Wales Tourism are seeking entries for the Go North Wales Awards at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on Thursday, November 24.
The Oscars-style ceremony will be hosted by radio and TV presenter Sian Lloyd.
The window for submissions in 16 categories is open until Monday, October 10, and more details can be found at www.gonorthwalestourismawards.website
According to North Wales Tourism chief executive Jim Jones, times were still tough for the sector but there was “light at the end of the tunnel”.
People were tightening their belts because of inflation and the cost of living crisis so the number of staycation visitors was down.
While the start of the summer season had been “fairly busy”, bookings for August, September and October were unusually slow in contrast to last year when it had been extremely busy.
On the plus-side there was optimism that the tourism and hospitality industry in North Wales would eventually return to and then exceed pre-pandemic levels when it was attracting record number of visitors and annually pumping £3.6 billion into the region’s economy.
Mr Jones said: “There are challenges at the moment so it’s great to have the opportunity to celebrate as well by staging the Go North Wales Awards which will showcase the best we have to offer.
“Importantly, it is also a chance to recognise all the work, the sacrifices and the investment that’s been put into the tourism sector.
“The reasons why North Wales is such an attractive destination for visitors are still there.
“We can therefore be optimistic that tourism and hospitality is well place to lead the region on the road to economic recovery.
“There are lots of positive things happening so we do have reasons to be cheerful.
READ MORE: Plans for redevelopment of Royal Hotel, Llangollen could bring jobs boost
“My conservative estimate is that at least £50 million is being invested in the region by key tourism and hospitality operators."
Mr Jones highlighted £6.5 million plans to redevelop the iconic Royal Hotel in Llangollen being given the go-ahead.
“When you think about it, we have an incredible amount to offer visitors, right across North Wales," he added.
“Hopefully, with support from the likes of Welsh Government, we can re-establish ourselves as a confident region and bring people into North Wales to come to stay and spend their money.
“That’s why events like the Go North Wales Awards are so incredibly important because it’s a chance to shout about the best of the best.
“We are hugely grateful of all our sponsors because quite simply the awards could not happen without their support.”
More details can be found at www.gonorthwalestourismawards.website and the categories up for grabs are:
- Go Hotel Award 2022
- Go B&B / Inn Award 2022
- Go Self Catering Award 2022
- Go Holiday Park Award 2022
- Go Caravan, Camping or Glamping Award 2022
- Go Attraction Award 2022
- Go Activity Award 2022
- Go Best Event Award 2022
- Go Food and Drink Award 2022
- Go Tourism Supplier Award 2022
- Go Skills Award 2022
- Go Responsible and Sustainable Green Award 2022
- Go Pet Friendly Award 2022
- Go Young Person Award 2022
- Go Best Newcomer Award 2022
- Go North Wales Judges Award 2022
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