Visit Pembrokeshire has announced the shortlist of finalists for the inaugural Croeso Awards, recognizing the quality of tourism businesses across the United Kingdom later this year.
“Visit Pembrokeshire appreciates the importance of recognizing and rewarding tourism businesses who work hard to provide an unrivaled visitor experience and, following unprecedented disruption to everyone’s lives caused by Covid, we feel the time is now right to host our inaugural Croeso Awards,” said Visit Pembrokeshire Chair Jane Rees-Baynes.
“These awards will give us an opportunity to celebrate our tourism champions, and our awards evening promises to be a glittering occasion for everyone to enjoy.”
Visit Pembrokeshire is the county’s official Destination Management Organization (DMO). It’s a trade-led public/private sector partnership and the first of its kind in Wales, according to a report.
The organization plans to grow the tourism sector sustainably over the next five years to benefit the communities throughout Pembrokeshire.
“We are very proud to be supporting the inaugural Croeso Awards and are looking forward to playing our part in celebrating the efforts and achievements of tourism businesses across the region. The time, energy, and money our property owners invest in their holiday homes is what keeps people coming back to Pembrokeshire year after year, and it’s that dedication to the local community that deserves proper recognition,” said Tom Bell, vice president of business development at cottages.com, the main sponsor of the Croeso Awards.
A panel of independent judges determined the shortlist of finalists. They are all experts in the industry, spending two weeks scoring each of the entries.
The awards dinner, hosted by guest presenter Jason Mohammad, will take place at Crug Glas, St. David’s, on October 20. The event will allow finalists and sponsors to enjoy a night of recognition and celebration as Pembrokeshire’s tourism industry champions.
The shortlist presents nominees for different awards at the event, such as the Self-catering Accommodation Provider of the Year with finalists Clydey Cottages, Newgale Holidays, and West Wales Luxury Cottages.
The Croeso Awards will also have Caravan Park of the Year with Trees Caravan Park, Tregroes Caravan, Camping and Glamping Park, and Folly Farm Holiday Park as the finalists.
It will also have the Campsite/Glamping Provider of the Year Award for finalists Celtic Camping, Tregroes Caravan, Camping and Glamping Park, and Celtic Escapes.
The awards show will also have Visitor Attraction of the Year with finalists Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, and Mansion of Mystery. While Coast in Saundersfoot, Nags Head in Abercych, and Stackpole Inn were announced as finalists for the Taste of Pembrokeshire Award.
The show also includes interesting awards like the Regenerative Tourism Award with finalists Bluestone Brewing Co, Castell Henllys, and Really Wild Emporium.
The Open to All–Inclusive Tourism Award will be given to the winner between the finalists Celtic Quest Coasteering, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, and Torch Theatre. A Hotel of the Year will also be given to one of the finalists Grove in Narberth, Twr y Felin, and Ty Milford Waterfront.
The show will also recognize young individuals in the sector with the Young Tourism Person of the Year. Finalists are Ollie Ryder of Ty Milford Waterfront and Samuel Williams of Stay Pembrokeshire.
It will also have an Activity/Experience Provider of the Year category with Celtic Quest Coasteering, Llys y Fran Lake, and Voyages of Discovery as the finalists. A B&B/Guesthouse of the Year will also be awarded to either Roch Castle or Ty Melin.
The show will also give the Tourism Innovation Award to one of the finalists St Davids Old Farmhouse Brewery, Velfrey Vineyard, and West Wales Luxury Cottages.
For more information about the Croeso Awards, visit https://www.visitpembrokeshire.com/croeso-awards/.
This article originally appeared on Pembroke & Pembroke Dock Observer.
Did you hear? The Croeso Awards in Pembrokeshire are all about recognizing those who go the extra mile for the community. It’s awesome to see the best in hospitality and tourism being celebrated. As the ceremony nears, I can’t wait to cheer on these fantastic individuals making Pembrokeshire shine!
Isn’t it thrilling to see the Croeso Awards lineup? Picture this: champagne flutes up, red carpet vibes, and tourism stars shining like disco balls! It’s like a beach party with all the glitz and glam. Can’t wait to cheer for these tourism champs at the big event!