Vale tourist attractions urged to go for Wales awards (From Barry And District News)

Vale tourist attractions urged to go for Wales awards

9:20am Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News

TOURIST attractions in the Vale are being encouraged to enter this year's National Tourism Awards for Wales competition.

Business and Tourism Minister, Edwina Hart announced the conest during a joint visit with Wales Office Minister, Baroness Randerson, to Cardiff International White Water during Wales Tourism Week (February 23-March 3).

This year's awards are being organised in commercial partnership with Quadrant Media & Communications Ltd.

Edwina Hart, said: “The tourism sector is worth £5 billion to the Welsh economy and employs more than eight per cent of the workforce and is one of our key growth markets. Wales Tourism Week demonstrates the importance of this sector.

“I’m delighted to be able to launch the National Tourism Awards, they play an important part in recognising the best that Wales has to offer and in improving quality which is key if Wales’ tourism industry is to drive higher tourism earnings and maximum value for the Welsh economy.”

Cardiff International White Water won ‘Best Visitor Experience’ category in the 2010 awards. Manager of CIWW, Chris Hadfield said: “CIWW were delighted and honoured to receive the award in 2010. The award was testimony to the hard work and customer care delivered by the team. The benefits have been huge in terms of marketing and promoting the centre and has added value to our marketing effort, especially in markets outside Wales and the UK.”

The Best Team award went to the Hilton Hotel, Cardiff. Marie Fagan, general manager of Hilton Cardiff, said: "We were absolutely delighted to win the award for Team of the Year in 2010. The team works very hard to continue to grow the Hilton Cardiff's reputation in the heart of the capital city of Wales and it was an honour to be recognised in this way.

“Tourism is an important part of the Welsh economy so it is vital that we all play our part in improving the industry for quality and service to ensure that Wales can compete on a national and international platform. Accolades such as those bestowed by the National Tourism Awards help to recognise achievements made within the industry and help boost the reputation of the winners both locally and nationally.”

The awards are now open for entry, for more information on how to enter visit www.ntawales.com or www.gtccymru.com, closing date is May 15.

The awards will be held at Venue Cymru, Llandudno on November 21.