Swansea Council: Hundreds attend Wales’ biggest tourism awards ceremony

Hundreds attend Wales’ biggest tourism awards ceremony

Wales’ biggest tourism awards ceremony was attended by 540 industry representatives in Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall.

The 2019 Swansea Bay Tourism Awards celebrated the tourism, leisure and hospitality industry across Swansea Bay.

Around 4.7m people visited the area last year bringing nearly £448m into the local economy. This helped support over 5,700 jobs.

More than 8,000 awards nominations and business entries were received – the highest since the awards started 13 years ago.

The awards are organised in partnership between Swansea Council and the local tourism trade association Tourism Swansea Bay. The ceremony took place on Thursday, November 14. Host was entertainer and broadcaster Kev Johns MBE.

Tracey McNulty, the council’s head of cultural services, said: “A Swansea Bay Tourism Award is testimony to an operator’s commitment and dedication to making Swansea Bay a world-class visitor destination.

“The awards evening was a great addition to Swansea’s 50^th anniversary as a city celebrations.

“We thank all sponsors and friends of the awards. There was positive feedback from industry professionals who attended the awards night.”

“My congratulations go to all the nominees and winners in this year’s Swansea Bay Tourism Awards which is a true partnership between public and private sectors.”

Stephen Crocker, chairman of Tourism Swansea Bay, said: “It was good to see businesses and organisations who go the extra mile being recognised for their excellence.

“This is a highly competitive awards scheme and it gets harder to judge every year. The entries reflect the increasing quality of the tourism offer in Swansea Bay.”

The awards are open to tourism businesses across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.

This year’s categories included best hotel, restaurant, live music venue, best attraction, dog-friendly business and young tourism ambassador.

Winners took home a handmade glass trophy and a certificate.

The awards attracted the most sponsors in its history. Sponsors included Development Bank of Wales, Castell Howell, Burns Pet Nutrition, JR Catering & Events, Harlequin Print, The Rake & Riddle, Buffoon Media, Traveline Cymru, Gower Brewery, Sherwood Florist, SA3 Photography, What’s On in Swansea magazine, Total Sound Solutions, The Fountain Inn, Home from Home and TLC – The Training and Learning Company.

Head to www.swanseabaytourismawards.co.uk for more information.