26th Jan  2012

Gwynedd tourism sector strikes gold

A total of 24 accommodations providers in Gwynedd are celebrating the news that they are to receive a gold award in the recently announced Visit Wales Tourism Awards for 2012. The aim of the gold award is to reward outstanding quality, exceptional comfort and hospitality in the serviced sector in Wales.

Among the successful are six hotels, seven guest accommodations, five bed & breakfasts, three restaurants with rooms, an inn, a guest house and a farm – all from areas across the county. It is hoped that these awards will provide a boost for tourism in Gwynedd.

Councillor John Wynn Jones, who leads on the Economy and Community for Gwynedd Council said:

 “It is extremely good news that so many accommodation providers in Gwynedd have been placed on the Visit Wales gold award list, reaching the highest possible standard. These awards are a recognition of the hard work carried out by those who work in the tourism sector in Gwynedd.

“As a Council we are eager to attract as many tourists as possible to the area. We hope that this achievement will provide an extra boost to the local economy and to businesses in general across the county.”

In particular, five country houses in the Meirionnydd area are recipients of the gold award. All five are members of the Bala & Penllyn Tourism Association. The country houses offer luxury accommodation, within the scenic setting of Penllyn. Abercelyn, Bryniau Golau, Bryn Tegid, Pale Hall country houses and Tyddyn Llan, a restaurant with rooms, have all been awarded gold.

Mel Williams, Chair of Bala & Penllyn Tourism Association said:

“It is a remarkable achievement that the area has so many gold award recipients, and this reflects the high standard of accommodation offered by its members. The association represents over 40 tourism businesses in the area and is active in encouraging visitors to discover all that this unique area of Bala & Penllyn has to offer.”