Twenty-two finalists have been announced for the Mid Wales Tourism Awards 2024-25, set to be presented next month. The awards, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic, aim to recognize the tourism industry in Powys, Ceredigion, and Southern Eryri (Snowdonia).
A panel of judges reviewed over 100 applications across 13 categories, narrowing the list to 20 finalists. The awards will be presented at an afternoon ceremony at Gregynog Hall, Tregynon, near Newtown, on December 10. Special awards will also be announced during the event.
Winners in some categories will go on to represent Mid Wales at the Wales National Tourism Awards in the spring. Sponsors of the event include Cambrian Training Company, Powys and Ceredigion County Councils, and Visit Wales, the Welsh Government’s tourism division.
Among the finalists are Plas Estate in Llangoedmor, Cardigan, nominated in three categories, and Canvas & Campfires in Llanwnnen, Lampeter, shortlisted in two categories.
The finalists for Best Hotel are Llangoed Hall in Llyswen and Trefeddian Hotel in Aberdyfi. Competing for the Best Bed and Breakfast, Guest House or Inn category are Plas Llangoedmor, Plas Estate, and Y Seler in Aberaeron. In the Best Self-Catering Accommodation category, Bryn Tanat Hall in Llansantffraid and Cottages at Plas Estate have been shortlisted.
For the Best Place to Eat and Drink, the finalists are Y Ffarmers in Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn, Aberystwyth, and Y Talbot in Tregaron. Competing in the Best Camping or Touring Park category are Bargoed Farm Caravan and Camping Park in Llwyncelyn, Aberaeron, and Woodlands Caravan Park in Devil’s Bridge.
By the Wye in Hay-on-Wye and Canvas & Campfires are in the running for Best Glamping or Quirky Accommodation. Meanwhile, Derwen Mill Holiday Park in Guilsfield and Meadow Spring Country and Leisure Park in Trefeglwys are vying for Best Holiday Park or Holiday Home Park.
The Best Activity or Experience category features Black Mountain Adventure in Three Cocks, Brecon, and Mountain Bike Wales in Staylittle, Llanidloes. For Best Visitor Attraction, the finalists are Vale of Rheidol Railway in Aberystwyth and The National Showcaves Centre for Wales in Abercraf.
Canvas & Campfires and Plas Estate are recognized as finalists for Best Dog Friendly Business. In the combined category of Best Event and Best Third Sector Business, the Royal Welsh Show, Wonderwool Wales, and the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway are finalists.
Finally, the Rising Star category highlights Abbie Woods from Llangoed Hall and Gabi Wilson from Cambrian Training Company in Welshpool as promising individuals in the industry.
The awards are organized by MWT Cymru, with support from the Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum and Visit Wales. MWT Cymru is a not-for-profit social enterprise representing over 600 tourism businesses and organizations across the region.
Zoe Hawkins, chief executive of MWT Cymru, expressed satisfaction with the high standard of entries, noting that the judging process was challenging.
She remarked, “We were delighted to receive more than 100 entries. Due to the high standard, the judges found it difficult to select the finalists which is a testament to the quality and strength of the tourism sector in Mid Wales.”
Rowland Rees-Evans, chairman of MWT Cymru, emphasized that the awards honor businesses, organizations, and individuals dedicated to tourism in the region. He added, “They provide a platform to promote the unique attractions and businesses that make Mid Wales a remarkable destination.”
Steve Hughson, chair of the Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum, stated, “These awards provided an opportunity to celebrate the success of the tourism and hospitality industry sector across Mid Wales and we were delighted with the number and quality of entries.”
“It was a real challenge for the judging panel to pick the very best to go forward to the Wales National Tourism Awards and showcase the excellent businesses that we have here in Mid Wales.”
