Excitement around Wales’ biggest tourism awards ceremony is mounting after a record number of entries and nominations.
Hundreds of industry representatives will attend the 2019 Swansea Bay Tourism Awards when they return to Swansea’s prestigious Brangwyn Hall next month.
Over 8,000 public nominations and business entries were received this year – the highest since the awards started 13 years ago.
The glamorous ceremony is due to take place on the night of Thursday, November 14 – and tickets are already selling well. The awards are organised in partnership between Swansea Council and the local tourism trade association Tourism Swansea Bay.
Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “The record number of entries reflects a powerful and sustained growth in the Swansea Bay tourism sector.
“Around 4.8m people visited the area last year bringing nearly £448m into the local economy. This helped support over 5,700 jobs.
“My best wishes go to all the nominees in this year’s Swansea Bay Tourism Awards.”
Stephen Crocker, chairman of Tourism Swansea Bay, said: “It’s important that businesses and organisations who go the extra mile are recognised for their excellence.
“The awards evening at the Brangwyn Hall will be a great addition to Swansea’s 50th anniversary as a city celebrations.”
The awards are open to tourism businesses across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.
This year’s categories include best hotel, restaurant, live music venue, best attraction, dog-friendly business and young tourism ambassador.
Winners of some categories may be eligible for automatic entry into the 2020 National Tourism Awards.
The 2019 Swansea Bay Tourism Awards will bring together tourism and hospitality’s key players, influencers and newcomers to celebrate and commend excellence in the sector. Host will be actor and broadcaster Kev Johns MBE.
