An adventure company has been recognised for its contribution to the tourism industry.

Bearded Men Adventures in Llangollen was among the winners at the Go North Wales Tourism Awards.

The annual event, organised by North Wales Tourism, celebrates the 'dedication, skill, and achievements' of the region’s tourism and hospitality industry.

Bearded Men Adventures, whose 'adrenaline-fuelled' activities include white water rafting, canoeing across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, and axe throwing, picked up two awards.

The company, which describes itself as the 'hairiest adventure company in North Wales,' won the Go Activity or Experience award, while 18-year-old team member Hugh Owen was named the Rising Star in the Tourism and Hospitality Category.

The Go Rising Star in Tourism and Hospitality Award winner, Hugh Owen of Bearded Men Adventures, pictured right (Image: Supplied) Mr Owen said winning the Rising Star award, sponsored by Coleg Llandrillo Menai, was an 'unbelievable start' to his dream job.

He said: "It’s too crazy for words really.

"I’ve known for a while that outdoor pursuits and tourism were the fields I’d love to work in and now that pathway is evolving in front of me."

Bearded Men Adventures 'trailblazers' Hugh Luckock and Jason Rickwood said they were overjoyed to be recognised for their work.

Mr Rickwood said: "It’s fantastic to be rewarded for doing what we love and offering our customers a safe way to take part in adventures that they also love, it doesn’t get better than that."

The Go North Wales Tourism Service to Tourism Award went to Adam Williams, the owner of Llandudno Pier and Tir Prince Amusement Park in Towyn.

Jim Jones, chief executive of North Wales Tourism said: "Adam is a real-life hero of the tourism and hospitality industry in North Wales whose drive and ingenuity are helping to turbocharge the visitor economy as well as preserving a precious part of our tourism heritage."

Mr Jones also congratulated all the winners, acknowledging the 'vital' role they played in rebuilding the tourism sector in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, along with all nominees.

He said: "This event really showcases the very best of North Wales and we have seen so many amazing entries, all of which underlines why this is a truly world-class destination for visitors."

Jim Jones, chief executive of North Wales Tourism (Image: Supplied) David Cattrall, the managing director of headline sponsors Harlech Foodservice, echoed the sentiments.

He said: "We are delighted to once again be the headline sponsor of this wonderful awards ceremony and it’s very much a vote of confidence in the tourism and hospitality sector which has endured such a difficult time in recent years.

"This is our opportunity to give something back and celebrate the achievements of our core customers.

"The impact of Covid and its aftermath have made things very difficult for everybody and tourism and hospitality is one of the sectors that has suffered the most in terms of economic impact.

"But as the awards have shown tonight we are a resilient lot thanks to an army of heroes who work on the front line in this important sector.

"It is important that we continue to celebrate our many achievements and there are reasons to be optimistic about the future."

Other categories and their winners included the New Tourism Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Guestline, which was awarded to Sawna Bach of The Scenic Sauna.

The Go Resilience and Innovation Award, sponsored by Plas Dinas Country House Hotel, went to Anglesey Sea Zoo Marine Conservation Centre.

The Go Marketing and Media Recognition Award, sponsored by Heart North and Mid Wales, recognised SF Parks as the winner.

The Go Pet-Friendly Award, sponsored by holidaycottages.co.uk, was presented to the Waterloo Hotel.

The Go Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, sponsored by Hafan y Môr Holiday Park, was handed to Tŷ-Pren.

In the accommodation categories, the Go B&B, Inn and Guest House of the Year, sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery, was won by The Bull’s Head Inn, while the Go Hotel of the Year, sponsored by Castell Howell Foods, went to Plas Dinas Country House Hotel.

The Go Self Catering of the Year award, sponsored by Pario Leisure Group, was awarded to Hafan Y Môr Holiday Park, which also received the Go Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award, sponsored by the Development Bank of Wales.

The Go Glamping, Camping, Caravanning and Holiday Park of the Year award, sponsored by Carbon Zero Renewables Ltd, was awarded to Go Below Underground Adventures.

The Go Cruise North Wales Award – The Best Immersive and Sustainable Tour, sponsored by Cruise Wales, went to Atgof – Making Memories in Wales.

In the attractions and experiences categories, the Go Attraction of the Year Award, sponsored by SF Parks, was given to Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways.

The Go Best Event of the Year Award, sponsored by Penderyn Distillery Llandudno, recognised Gŵyl Fwyd Caernarfon as the winner.

In dining and tourism supplier categories, the Go Eating Out Experience Award, sponsored by Office Equipment Systems Ltd, went to The Gunroom Restaurant at Plas Dinas Country House.

The Go Tourism Supplier of the Year Award, sponsored by Booking.com, went to Wild Horse Brewing Co.

Many of the winners from this event will get a place at the National Tourism Awards for Wales next March.