Best of Wales celebrated at National Tourism Summit and National Tourism Awards
Yesterday (Thursday 27 March) saw the celebration of tourism in Wales at the Welsh Government’s National Tourism Summit and National Tourism Awards, with tourism and hospitality praised as the “lifeblood of the Welsh economy” creating jobs and driving growth.
Attending the summit in Llandudno, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said she valued the sector’s insight and wanted to learn from the attendees’ years of experience on the front line.
The Welsh Government’s National Tourism Summit welcomed key tourism leaders from Wales, across the UK and Europe, who gathered to explore opportunities for an industry that pumps £3.8bn into the Welsh economy each year. With responsibility for Tourism, the Cabinet Secretary speaking at the event said:
“In a world where travel connects us more than ever before, I don’t take for granted the incredibly important role tourism and hospitality businesses play. They are driving local economies and generating income for communities throughout Wales.
“Our ambition is clear: to develop high-quality, year-round experiences that enrich the lives of both visitors and our host communities.
“We’re investing to continue our award-winning marketing of Wales to the world – and I know we can work together to build on the many strengths that bring people here.”
Welsh Government support for the sector over the next financial year includes:
- Visit Wales: Over £9m revenue budget and £6m capital budget
- A £50m Wales Tourism Investment Fund
- A £5m Brilliant Basics Fund
Presentations from the Summit will be circulated through our bulletin and available on our Visit Wales Industry website.
Later that evening at the National Tourism Awards, the Cabinet Secretary opened the celebration of tourism as part of the Visit Wales Year of Croeso, recognising those who have gone above and beyond in shaping Wales' tourism landscape.
Awards were presented to outstanding businesses and individuals. A total of 48 finalists from across Wales were shortlisted in 12 categories ranging from Best Attraction to Best Event and including awards for Sustainable Tourism, Accessibility and Inclusivity and Dog Friendliness
Winners included Gwesty Plas Dinas in Caernarfon, which was named Best Hotel; Rock UK Summit Centre in Treharris, which picked up the prize for Best Activity, Experience or Tour – and Charly Dix from Lan y Môr in Saundersfoot who was celebrated as a Rising Star.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, the Cabinet Secretary said:
“Tourism is integral to the fabric of Welsh life, and Wales has an inherently strong offer so let's not leave the celebrating to one night a year.
“The future is filled with opportunities. Let’s give people experiencing Wales in the weeks, months and years ahead an even bigger Welsh Croeso!”
As part of Year of Croeso, there was also a special “Croeso Award” presented in memory of the late Ian Edwards, Chief Executive of The Celtic Collection and ICC Wales in recognition of his services to tourism and hospitality.
Diolch yn fawr to all award sponsors! Your support is invaluable to the success of the National Tourism Awards for Wales 2025.
Huge da iawn / well done to finalists and winners. The full list of award winners and highlights of the celebrations can be found on The National Tourism Awards.
Stay up to date with tourism industry news
View previously published Visit Wales industry newsletters and bulletins: Tourism Newsletter/Bulletin | Business Wales (gov.wales).
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