A range of Gwynedd tourism businesses were recognized at the Go North Wales Tourism Awards 2025, held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno. The event, organized by North Wales Tourism, celebrates the region’s achievements across hospitality, attractions, and accommodation sectors.
The ceremony took place on November 2025 and was hosted by former BBC journalist Sian Lloyd, with headline sponsorship provided by Harlech Foodservice, a Llanystumdwy-based supplier to local hotels, guest houses, and restaurants.
Rhaeadr Nantcoll Waterfalls in Llanbedr was named Glamping, Camping and Caravan Site of the Year, sponsored by PODS Cymru. The site, a former hill farm above the West Wales coast, has expanded from a sheep farm in 2008 to an 80-pitch operation with glamping pods and bell tents.
“We’ve diversified successfully to share our farm with visitors,” Aled Jones, whose family runs the site, told BusinessNewsWales. “We started with just the two of us and now there are seven involved.”
Gimblet Rock Holiday Park in Pwllheli received the Holiday Park of the Year award, marking the second such recognition for its parent company, Pario Group, following Marine Holiday Park in Rhyl four years ago.
Director Paris Blackwell commented: “We’re a family business, and our aim is to showcase North Wales in the best possible way while offering brilliant holidays for everyone, whatever their budget. We’re thrilled that after just a year at Gimblet Rock, we’ve won this award for the second time.”
Other winners included Zip World as Visitor Attraction of the Year, Hafan y Môr Holiday Park in Pwllheli for the Bro a Byd Award for Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism, and Black Boy Inn in Caernarfon for B&B, Inn and Guest House of the Year.
Young Person in Tourism and Hospitality went to 19-year-old Yuliia Batrak, a Ukrainian refugee and Coleg Llandrillo student, while the Service to Tourism Award was presented to Geoff Lofthouse, who retired after more than 40 years managing the Imperial Hotel in Llandudno.
Jim Jones, CEO of North Wales Tourism and head judge, highlighted the dual recognition of experience and emerging talent in the industry: “What Geoff has achieved over more than four decades… has helped cement Llandudno’s reputation as the Queen of Resorts. He is a real role model to those following in his footsteps, including the truly inspirational Yuliia Batrak, who is already making her mark in the industry.”
Harlech Foodservice Sales Director Mark Lawton emphasized the awards’ broader economic impact:
“We’re proud that our teams, suppliers and customers all contribute to the local economy. The money spent with us stays in the region — supporting local venues, tradespeople and producers — creating a real circular economy that keeps North Wales thriving.”
The event showcased the scale and diversity of tourism operations in Gwynedd, offering insights for outdoor hospitality operators into how diversification, sustainability, and local partnerships contribute to recognition and long-term business success.