Wrexham businesses urged to enter National Tourism Awards!

Two Members of the Senedd are urging local businesses to enter the National Tourism Awards.

Last month, Tourism Minister Jack Sargeant announced the much-anticipated awards will return in spring 2025.

Hosted by Visit Wales, they celebrate the best of the industry throughout the country.

Winners of the Regional Awards in 2024 will go through to the National Awards in March 2025, so local businesses need to apply to the Go North Wales Awards.

The categories for the National Tourism Awards 2025 are:

• Best Hotel
• Best B&B, Inn and Guesthouse
• Best Self-Catering
• Best Caravan, Camping, Glamping
• Best Attraction
• Best Activity, Experience or Tour
• Bro a Byd Category (those going the extra mile on environmental sustainability)
• Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
• Best Place to Eat
• Rising Star
• Best Event
• Best Dog Friendly Business

Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd, Lesley Griffiths, said: “It’s no surprise there has been an increase in tourists visiting the city and the area following the high-profile takeover of Wrexham AFC by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, and the subsequent success of the Welcome to Wrexham series.

“Wrexham is in the spotlight like never before and this newfound global interest has boosted the region’s economy.

“People from all over the world are experiencing the brilliant things Wrexham has to offer and there are many excellent local businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, that deserve to have their efforts recognised at the National Tourism Awards.”

Ken Skates, MS for Clwyd South, said: “We have so many fantastic businesses in Clwyd South which deserve to have their efforts recognised at the National Tourism Awards.

“It would be great to see as many as possible putting themselves forward for awards.”

He added: “I’m pleased that the Welsh Government has made supporting the tourism industry a key priority, and I know local businesses will benefit from funding and promotion provided through Visit Wales in the years to come.”

The latest figures show that tourism-related industries generate 5.1% of Wales’ GVA (£3.8bn). In 2023, more than 8.5m visitors from within Great Britain came to Wales – as well as 892,000 international visitors.

Mr Skates, a former Tourism Minister, added: “The National Tourism Awards is an opportunity to celebrate the people and businesses behind these numbers and recognise their hard work and determination to make Wales a world-renowned tourism destination.”

More information is available at gonorthwalestourismawards.website and the closing date is October 7.