Top eateries celebrating tourism wins
REGION A ‘WORLD-CLASS DESTINATION’
POPULAR restaurant group Dylan’s, Portmeirion Hotel and Chateau Rhianfa were among those recognised at the 2018 Go North Wales Tourism Awards.
Dylan’s – which had 350,000 diners and spent £1.3 million with North Wales suppliers this year – has been honoured with a Special Recognition Award for its contribution to the industry.
The top attraction/activity went to RibRide Adventure Boat Tours on Anglesey, while the Self-catering of the Year prize went to Forest Holidays, Beddgelert.
The ceremony at Venue Cymru, Llandudno was organised by North Wales Tourism, which represents more than 1,500 tourism-related members across the area.
David Evans runs Dylan’s, which has sites in Menai Bridge, Criccieth and Llandudno, with business partner Robin Hodgson.
Mr Evans said: “North Wales is now seen as a great place to stay and to eat. We are proud of our part in that.
“Tourism can create a sound economic base for the region.
“We all need to work to ensure this is not just a spike. The conditions are ripe to make a permanent shift for the region. We can achieve great things.”
Dylan’s now employs 170 staff and has invested £400,000 in a central kitchen to improve quality, efficiency and consistency.
The Welsh Government Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate the best that the North Wales tourism industry has to offer – and we have such a lot to celebrate.
“It’s important for us to put p tourism in the limelight ght and pay tribute to those who are committed and passionate about their heir businesses, toururism and North h Wales – those e who work so hard to welcome our 10 million visitors each year – and give them reasons to return.”
Speaking after er the event, which ich was organised in partnership with Heart North Wales, North ● Wales Tourism managing director Jim Jones said the sheer volume and quality of entries this year underlined why the region was increasingly being recognised as a world-class destination. Mr Jones said: “It’s been very successful and I congratulate all the winners. “However, in my eyes every nominee is a winner and all have played a part in what has been a successful year for North Wales Tourism. “This event really showcases the very best of North Wales and we have seen so manyy amazing entries. ““ItIt isis aa clearclea indication to meme thatthat ththe quality of the tourismtourism offer here is improimproving every yearyear. ““We already had ththe raw material inin the form of our bbreath- taking scscenery and ststunning coastlinline, and now we hahave the infrastrstructure to mamatch. ““WeW are not restinging oon our laurels, though.though. The competitiontiion willwill notn stand still so wewwe mustmust alwaysa strive to getg better.”